The Egyptian presidential candidate, Mohamad Salim el-Awa, criticized the residents of Qena, who refused to allow a Coptic Christian governor take his position. He strongly suggests Egypt's president should be a Coptic Christian if Egyptians choose him to be. About the relations between Egypt and Israel, el-Awa said Egypt should honor its commitments to its treaties, according to the teachings of Islam. He said if Israel violates their commitments, Egypt should respond the same way. He made these statements during a conference in Luxor. About tourism, el-Awa said tourism is not only about “wine and bikinis.” He said Prophet Mohamed's companions saw the monuments and statues when they entered Egypt and they did not order to remove them and kept Egypt's history intact. He demanded the government support travel agencies by reducing taxes and providing them with the advantages and incentives to activate tourism. He criticized the decision to move the residents of Luxor during the development of the city. He considers this action a crime, which should be investigated. He demanded the authorities to pay suitable compensations for those who have been harmed in the move. El-Awa said he doesn't represent any political party, clarifying he will withdraw from the presidential candidacy if the government issued a law to force presidential candidates to join political parties. About his electoral campaign, el-Awa said it is funded by donations offered by his businessmen acquaintances in addition to his own investment. He will not accept any financial support from businessmen who work in tourism agencies as to not be accused of supporting them.
