Read Decision Day for Egypt at Mission Network News.
"Egypt is seething. Millions of protesters are calling for President Mohamed Morsi's ouster. The army is threatening to step in. Spokesman with the Voice of the Martyrs Todd Nettleton says the question on everyone's mind is: "At this point, we look to the future and I think everybody wonders, 'How does this end?'" Six high level cabinet members quit and the constitution could be tossed out, too. More people signed a petition to get rid of Morsi than those who elected him into office. The Muslim Brotherhood is trying to hold on to power. But anything could happen in the next few days. A new chapter of Egypt's history is being written now. What can you do? "Pray for the protection of our Christian brothers and sisters. With all of this upheaval going on, there can be cases where Christians are specifically targeted using the unrest as a cover for attacking Christians." Gospel interest is growing, too. A silver lining? "Pray that out of this, God will bring about something that is good for the Church." "
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Media Contact: For interviews, contact ICC's President, Jeff King (800-422-5441); or Todd Daniels, Regional Manager for the Middle East: RM-ME@persecution.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Egypt's Opposition Groups Search for Leadership to Replace Islamist Morsi
7/2/2013
Washington D.C.
International Christian Concern
International Christian Concern (ICC) continues to monitor the unfolding events in cities throughout Egypt as massive crowds remain in the streets calling for the departure of President Mohammed Morsi and his Islamist supporters, including the Muslim Brotherhood (MB). The newly formed June 30 Front has united various opposition groups in an attempt to represent the demands of the people publicly.
Various opposition groups have joined together to form The June 30 Front. They have named Mohamed ElBaradei, a well-known opposition leader, as spokesman for the groups, in an attempt to bring a united front. "ElBaradei will coordinate efforts with state institutions to help implement a transitional roadmap agreed upon by opposition groups over the past few days," Egypt Independent reports.
"I think this means more unity for the opposition, more mobilization and support for demonstrations. Also it means a strong, respectful and well known negotiator in the front of Morsi and his mother group (MB)," Cairo-based journalist Yasser Khalil told ICC.
While ElBaradei may be a positive choice for the role of representing the demands of the people, there are some doubts about him as a leader. "He is idealistic, this does not work with a bunch of gangsters, with the terrorists we are dealing with," Wagih Yacoub an ICC contact in Cairo said. A spokesman for Coptic Solidarity also provided a muted opinion of ElBaradei. After the ousting of previous President Hosni Mubarak, there were high hopes for ElBaradei to replace him, Hal Meawad said, but "the hope faded when he tried to make deals with the Brotherhood under the table and he lost the trust of the liberals. Most of the Copts do not trust him either."
The Egyptian people have made clear that they reject the government of Mohammed Morsi, but it is unclear what the next steps are to resolve the situation. The Egyptian Armed Forces issued an ultimatum for all political parties to respond to the demands of the people before they implement their roadmap for the country, while declaring no desire to return to power, according to Ahram. The deadline for the ultimatum expires Wednesday evening (July 3).
Todd Daniels, ICC Regional Manager for the Middle East, said, "Egypt deserves a government that respects and ensures the rights of its people. The masses that continue to flood the streets throughout the country have stated loudly that a Muslim Brotherhood government does not do that. As with the 2011 protests that led to the ousting of Hosni Mubarak, the people are united against a dictatorship but struggle to create a political structure that honors the fundamental rights of its citizens. ICC continues to support the demands of the protestors and hopes for leadership to emerge to guide the country towards a better future."
For interviews, contact ICC's President, Jeff King (800-422-5441); or Todd Daniels, Regional Manager for the Middle East: RM-ME@persecution.org
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