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12-12-2005, 11:49 AM
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Egypt's Brotherhood open to talks with US Congress (http://search.gulfnews.com/articles.htm)
http://search.gulfnews.com/region/Egypt/10004381.html
12/12/2005 10:08 AM | Agencies
Cairo: Newly elected Islamist members of the Egyptian parliament are open to dialogue with members of the US Congress without involving the Cairo government, leading members of the Muslim Brotherhood said on Sunday.
But contacts with officials of the US administration would require the approval of the Egyptian foreign ministry, the Brotherhood's deputy leader Mohammad Habib told reporters.
The attitude of the Brotherhood, which has expanded its presence in the Egyptian parliament almost sixfold in elections over the past five weeks, is a shift away from the wariness of the past.
The Brotherhood's previous position was that Washington must change its policies before the Islamists would begin a dialogue.
Habib, speaking on the sidelines of a celebration of its electoral success, said: "Members of (the US) Congress can speak to (Brotherhood) members of parliament."
"Talking directly with US officials is especially sensitive, so if the (US) embassy asks for a meeting, it should ask through the foreign ministry ... We don't have a problem with that," he added.
The new head of the 88-strong Muslim Brotherhood caucus in the 454-seat parliament, Mohammad Saad Al Katatni, said: "If it's a matter of a representative of the people with a representative of the people, then there's no objection to discussions."
"For dealings with the official establishment (the administration), it should be under the umbrella of the Egyptian foreign ministry," he said.
The Egyptian government has discouraged any contacts between foreign governments and the Muslim Brotherhood because they would give the Brotherhood a form of recognition.
The Muslim Brotherhood opposes the US military presence in Iraq and its support for Israel.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Mahdi Akef, the leader of the Muslim Brotherhood, said that the group's newly elected members of parliament should represent all Egyptians - Muslims, Coptic Christians, men and women.
"We're appealing to all, including those in authority, for national reconciliation that will bind hearts, minds and efforts. We will work in the interests of the whole community and will work for national accord to deal with internal and external challenges," said the 77-year-old Akef.
(http://search.gulfnews.com/home/index.html#)
http://search.gulfnews.com/images/templates/line_horz_g.gif
Egypt's Brotherhood open to talks with US Congress (http://search.gulfnews.com/articles.htm)
http://search.gulfnews.com/region/Egypt/10004381.html
12/12/2005 10:08 AM | Agencies
Cairo: Newly elected Islamist members of the Egyptian parliament are open to dialogue with members of the US Congress without involving the Cairo government, leading members of the Muslim Brotherhood said on Sunday.
But contacts with officials of the US administration would require the approval of the Egyptian foreign ministry, the Brotherhood's deputy leader Mohammad Habib told reporters.
The attitude of the Brotherhood, which has expanded its presence in the Egyptian parliament almost sixfold in elections over the past five weeks, is a shift away from the wariness of the past.
The Brotherhood's previous position was that Washington must change its policies before the Islamists would begin a dialogue.
Habib, speaking on the sidelines of a celebration of its electoral success, said: "Members of (the US) Congress can speak to (Brotherhood) members of parliament."
"Talking directly with US officials is especially sensitive, so if the (US) embassy asks for a meeting, it should ask through the foreign ministry ... We don't have a problem with that," he added.
The new head of the 88-strong Muslim Brotherhood caucus in the 454-seat parliament, Mohammad Saad Al Katatni, said: "If it's a matter of a representative of the people with a representative of the people, then there's no objection to discussions."
"For dealings with the official establishment (the administration), it should be under the umbrella of the Egyptian foreign ministry," he said.
The Egyptian government has discouraged any contacts between foreign governments and the Muslim Brotherhood because they would give the Brotherhood a form of recognition.
The Muslim Brotherhood opposes the US military presence in Iraq and its support for Israel.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Mahdi Akef, the leader of the Muslim Brotherhood, said that the group's newly elected members of parliament should represent all Egyptians - Muslims, Coptic Christians, men and women.
"We're appealing to all, including those in authority, for national reconciliation that will bind hearts, minds and efforts. We will work in the interests of the whole community and will work for national accord to deal with internal and external challenges," said the 77-year-old Akef.