VIENNA, Austria: Egyptian presidential candidate Abdel Moneim Aboul Fotouh said there is no evidence that Egypt's currently ruling military council intends to stay in power. Aboul Fotouh attended a seminar in Vienna, Austria with the Egyptian community there. Aboul Fotouh said the media exaggerates the Egyptian crisis and that crime rates did not raise after the January 25 Revolution. However, Aboul Fotoul confessed that political powers are worried because solving some problems is moving slowly. “These accusations cannot cancel the Egyptian military council's loyalty,” said Aboul Fotouh, adding that the Egyptian army's main role is to protect Egypt's borders. “The most important issue in Egypt now is to prevent violence and thuggery… The only one who can apply democracy in Egypt is the Egyptian people,” said Aboul Fotouh. Aboul Fotouh called to apply the Law of Treachery. He also called to form a judicial committee to determine the main reasons of corruption in political life. “There are many names are listed on the Democratic National Party [that were not] active members,” said Aboul Fotouh. Aboul Fotouh said Egyptian problems need time to be solved. Egypt needs political stability, democracy and liberty in order to develop. Aboul Fotouh hopes Egypt will be a state of law. “That will happen by supporting freedom, citizens' rights and efficiency,” Aboul Fotouh said. “All Egyptian people must depend on hard, serious work.” “Egypt is not a poor country. However, corruption brought poverty into Egypt,” he added. “Facing corruption will gain great popular interest.” Regarding last week's deadly Maspiro clashes, Aboul Fotouh said Christians are a part of Egyptian society. He refused calling them a minority, instead calling religious fanatics the minority. Aboul Fotoul said both Egyptian Muslims and Christians are characterized by moderation. Aboul Fotouh strongly refused restricting personal freedoms under any laws. “Tourism in Egypt is important recourse for Egyptian national income and development.” Said Aboul Fotouh “Egypt is a destination for medical and conferences tourism in addition to leisure tourism,” he added. Aboul Fotouh confirmed the importance of increasing tourists to Egypt in addition to activating interior tourism. Regarding the peace treaty between Israel and Egypt, Aboul Fotouh said, “We do not aim to fight. Egypt always respects international laws.” Aboul Fotouh added suggested presenting the David Camp treaty to an elected parliamentary council for revision. About Egyptian relations with Africa, Aboul Fotouh said Egypt must keep strong relations with African countries. He accused Egypt's former regime of destroying these relations. The presidential candidate also suggested issuing a new constitution until the end of Egypt's transitional phase. “The current constitutional announcement is enough to hold parliamentary and president elections,” he said. Aboul Fotouh suggested shortening the transitional phase in order to gain stability and attract foreign investments. Aboul Fotouh warned of sectarian strife that could destroy the January 25 Revolution.
