CAIRO: Egyptians appreciate the army for supporting the January 25 Revolution, but Egypt still needs to achieve change – which has not happened yet, according to Ayman Nour, head of the liberal al-Ghad Party and likely presidential candidate. The mechanisms to choose ministers and governors have not changed, said Nour, adding that if the National Dialogue was serious protesters would not be returning to Tahrir Square. During an interview with the television program ‘This is the Capital,' Nour said, “There are many question marks about the governors and officials who were chosen lately, such as Gen. Emad Mikhail Shehata, who tortured me [in prison] in May 2007, and Samir Salam, the manager of the prison authority, who executed the agenda of the former regime.” Yet despite Egyptians' anxiety, Nour said he is optimistic and that the current stage may lead to change. The country has not achieved notable change yet because of the people's anger and frustration, he added. The prominent political activist clarified his vision, saying, “In 1952, around 160 soldiers organized a military coup which changed Egypt's political, economic and social life. The January 25 Revolution is a real revolution, but it hasn't achieved the people's aspiration of change.” Nour also expressed his fears that Egypt's revolution could turn into a military coup. Regarding the statement from Egypt's ruling military council released on Tuesday, Nour praised Gen. Fangary's statement. He said the statement meets the Egyptians' demands, but he criticized the general's body language. Nour also criticized speeches by Egyptian Prime Minister Essam Sharaf, saying Sharaf is not a prime minister but a secretary for the military council. Regarding cooperation with the Muslim Brotherhood, Nour said unity must be achieved among different political powers, adding that the Brotherhood-affiliated Freedom and Justice Party is a civil entity with a civil basis. He said the Brotherhood will not win the majority of the parliament, saying the parliament will see a diverse representation of all political movements. Nour also raised the necessity of cleansing governmental institutions and the judiciary and choosing a new public prosecutor.
