‘Egyptian crisis detrimental to region’

A senior Iranian lawmaker says the continuation of the current situation in Egypt will be to the detriment of the African country and the whole region, expressing hope that Cairo could resolve the crisis as soon as possible.

Arresting the leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood could provoke their supporters to take to the streets, said Alaeddin Boroujerdi, chairman of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of Iranâ„¢s Majlis.

The MP said the Muslim Brotherhood should also accept early elections because the only way to tackle the situation is through mutual understanding.

Å“Itâ„¢s a difficult job, but the only solution is [to come to an] understanding,” the legislator emphasized.

Reiterating Iranâ„¢s policy of non-interference in other countriesâ„¢ internal affairs, Boroujerdi expressed hope that Egypt, as an important Muslim country, would overcome the current crisis as soon as possible.

Å“Iran will definitely not meddle in Egyptâ„¢s internal crisis, but we are prepared to use our potential to help establish tranquility [in Egypt],” the MP stated.

If the leaders of the Egyptian Army and the Muslim Brotherhood seek to fuel tensions, Boroujerdi underlined, Egypt could witness ensuing domestic crisis, violence and even underground armed movements, which would be catastrophic for the Egyptian society.

Boroujerdi said extremists must not be allowed to cash in on the situation to push Egypt towards unfortunate events such as those gripping Iraq and Syria.

Egyptâ„¢s Health Ministry said on Monday that at least 34 supporters of Egyptâ„¢s ousted President Mohamed Morsi were killed by the security forces during protests outside the Republican Guard barracks in the capital, Cairo.

Egypt has been the scene of rallies and clashes between thousands of the supporters and opponents of ousted president as political turmoil escalates in the North African country.

Morsi was unseated on July 3, and the chief justice of Egyptâ„¢s Supreme Constitutional Court, Adli Mansour, was sworn in as interim president of Egypt on July 4.

Morsi is reportedly being held Å“preventively” by the military. Senior army officials say he might face formal charges over accusations made by his opponents.

MYA/NN/HMV