Muslim group blasts Egypt regime
CAIRO — Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood called Thursday on the ruling generals to sack the military-appointed government, saying it has failed to manage the deteriorating security and economic situation in the country.
The Islamic fundamentalist Brotherhood controls nearly 50 percent of the seats in the new parliament, by far the single largest bloc to emerge from Egypt’s freest and fairest elections in decades. Brotherhood spokesman Mahmoud Ghozlan said the military should appoint a Brotherhood representative as prime minister, who would then form a new government.
The calls for sacking the Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Kamal el-ganzouri, come after a eadly soccer riot that sparked days of clashes between protesters and the police. At least 74 were killed in the riot on Feb. 1 and at least 15 more died in the clashes that followed.
“We call on the military council to sack this government that has failed to handle this big event and to form another government,” said Ghozlan. “If there is a government in place that is really backed by the choice of the people, it will act without regard for any pressure from anyone. It will seek to reassure the people and provide it with security,” he added.
There have been periodic bursts of protests and deadly clashes since the uprising that ousted Hosni Mubarak a year ago. There has also been a wave of crime, notably a spate of bank heists, over the past few weeks.
Military troops deployed around the country starting Wednesday in an attempt to restore some security, and as state media said, “restore the state’s prestige.” Mobile patrols roved main roads and squares, and other troops guarded government ministries, banks and other public buildings.
Many blame police for the failure to stop the deadly riots and criticize the police for excessive use of force to break up ensuing protests.