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Al-Ashaal: Saudi should mediate between Brotherhood and Sisi

July 30, 2015 at 8:15 am

A file photo dated July 3, 2013 shows supporters of Mohammed Morsi gesturing after listening to a statement by Minister of Defence Abdul Fatah Al-Sisi announcing the disposal of Mohammed Morsi from office ending a one year rule in a military coup in Cairo, Egypt. ( Mohammed Elshamy – Anadolu Agency )

Egyptian political science professor and former diplomat Dr Abdullah Al-Ashaal called on Saudi Arabia to mediate between the Egyptian regime and the Muslim Brotherhood, stressing that this would help achieve stability in Egypt and handle the challenges threatening the region, including the growing Iranian influence.

In exclusive remarks to Quds Press, Al-Ashaal asserted that Saudi Arabia has leverage which increases its ability to be a successful mediator between the Brotherhood and the Egyptian regime.

“I call upon the Saudi leadership to lead a mediation to reach an historic reconciliation between the Egyptian regime and the Muslim Brotherhood. Saudi Arabia has a good relationship with the Egyptian regime and has its influence on the Muslim Brotherhood, and can have a positive influence to achieve an historic reconciliation that serves the stability in Egypt and helps in facing regional challenges,” he said.

He praised Saudi’s openness to Hamas describing it as “a step in the right direction”.

“There is no doubt that the reception of the Saudi leadership to Hamas’s leadership is a step in the right direction. It serves the Palestinian cause without a doubt, and I do not think it raises the ire of the Egyptians; on the contrary, it is also in Egyptians’ interest.”

“Except for some media reports – which are part of the corruption of Egypt and they harm its foreign relations – I have not read an official statement expressing Egyptian resentment towards Saudi’s openness to Hamas.”

Al-Ashaal believes that it is in Egypt’s interest to open up to Hamas. “I see that the regime in Egypt is now inclined to differentiate between Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood, and the proof is the abolition of the court’s decision to label Hamas a terrorist group. I believe that the doors between Hamas and Cairo are not closed but have been left for mediation. I believe it is important for Hamas to hold on to the position of rejecting any accusations made by the media, because Israel and its allies want to drive a wedge between Hamas and Egypt, despite the fact that Hamas is not part of the battle against the Egyptian regime.”