FJP Rejects Statements By US Congressman Warning of Muslim Brotherhood Victory

Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) Secretary General Dr. Saad Katatny rejected statements made Sunday by Republican House Majority Leader Eric Cantor to the Jerusalem Post during his visit to Israel, describing the Muslim Brotherhood potentially winning majority of seats in upcoming elections as "very concerning."

Katatny called the statement "unacceptable interference in Egypt’s affairs," adding that parliamentary elections in any sovereign country is a decision solely made by its people, and the US must learn how to respect and welcome the choice of the Egyptian people expressed in free and fair elections.
 
"The Muslim Brotherhood and the Freedom and Justice Party are not in conflict with the US" he said, "but they are against foreign policies of some western countries that in order to protect its interests unjustly undermine the interests of other nations."
 
"The real threat to the region is Israel with its occupation of Palestinian lands, its nuclear reactors and its insistence on not signing the Non-Proliferation Treaty," he added.
 
Katatny reiterated that contrary to Cantor’s remarks,  FJP does not seek a parliamentary majority in the next elections, adding that the party is planning on competing for a maximum of 50% of the seats, hoping to win %35 of those seats.This decision made by the FJP is not to appease or reassure foreign countries, but according to Katatny "Egypt cannot be ruled by only one political party in the upcoming phase"
 
 “Cantor’s words contradict the true meaning and principles of democracy which the US supposedly respects, and is reflective of the US stance towards true democracy in the Middle East” "it is not acceptable to use the Brotherhood or any Islamist party as a scarecrow to deepen the West’s fear of democracy in the Middle East" concluding Katatny.
 
Congressman Cantor’s remarks came during his visit to Israel, where such statements are often made by US politicians to appease the powerful Israeli lobby ahead of never ending election season.
 
However, last June, US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton stated that it is in the best interest of the US to engage with the Muslim Brotherhood and other peaceful parties intending to compete in the upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections. These contradicting statements reflect the depth of confusion and uncertainty by US government in dealing with new political reality in Egypt following its great revolution.
 
The Brotherhood welcomed the move, stressing that dialog with US officials might clarify the group’s vision, but without allowing the US to intervene in Egypt’s domestic affairs. The MB also indicated that it wants the US to deal with it as part of Egyptian society and a political force representing a sector of the Egyptian people, not based on its ideological background.