Ayman Nour to WSJ: Clarify misleading points from op-ed
Ayman Nour29 October 2009 in Featured, Op-ed
Dear friends: it has come to my attention that an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal dated October 26, 2009, entitled “Why Are Egypt’s Liberals Anti-Semitic?” has reportedly quoted me at a conference I was invited to attend in the city of Port Said shortly after my release from prison after contesting President Hosni Mubarak in the presidential elections in 2005.
I would like to clarify a few points regarding the statements attributed to me in the article. First, neither myself nor my party, Al Ghad, were the organizers of this forum. I was invited to attend in my personal capacity, and to make a short statement. I was not responsible for any graffiti or items placed on the banners in the conference.
Furthermore, the statements attributed to me in the article referred to a specific context, namely the conduct of the state of Israel during the Gaza war, which in my opinion was highly objectionable. I was distraught over the excessive loss of civilian life in Gaza, and I regret that my comments were expressed in a way that was unclear that may have understandably offended.
Any observer examining my record can easily discern that I have always supported and upheld Egypt’s peace treaty with Israel, and have strongly opposed calls of aggression against Israel. I have also consistently called for a peaceful and just resolution to the Arab Israeli conflict.
In an interview published in Commentary magazine recently I stated, “Al Ghad supports every treaty made by Egypt before and will keep it going. We want to ensure peace with every country in the world.”
I would like to conclude that the “anti-Semitic” label is one that I strongly reject. My critiques pertain to the conduct of the state of Israel in certain contexts and not to the Jewish people as a whole. The history of Egypt is replete with contributions from Jewish Egyptians, and that history of pluralism that once defined Egypt is one that I recall fondly and deeply respect. Principles of religious pluralism and mutual respect and tolerance are principles that I strongly advocate not just in my position as a political activist, but as a human being.
BM
Aymen,
Thanks for replying to WSJ article, I was wondering if anyone will do that but I have a comment on your reply
There is no need to be so defensive and apologetic about your records. Egypt should look out for its own national security interests and aside from the fact that Israeli actions in Gaza is inhuman, it greatly affects the Egyptian national security
Also Egypt should NOT commit to keep or honor any treaty that is not respected or honored by others, Israel technically violated the peace treaty hundreds of times and Mubarak’s regime keep quiet about it.
“Anti-Semitic”, “anti-Christ”, “anti-business”, “anti-green”, “anti-pink” …etc, all is clear blackmailing techniques
A president or a leader who can be pressured with these simple labels, EGYPT has no need for him. We had enough for the last 25 years.
Mohajer Masry
An obsequious statement from an irrelevant ‘no body’
that’s why this ameturish ‘no body’ would never be a president of even a neibrouhood garbage collection association in Cairo.. He is readily prostrating on his face licking the boots and eager to kiss the rearends of zionists who don’t even have presence or weight in his own country!!
An shameless coward like this light weight ‘no body’ would sell the remainder of Egypt’s already stunted status in a hurry…
have some dignity you clown!!
[...] Op-ed and was tamperd with by the evil editor who wants to ruin him in Egypt, he also forgot that he uploaded it on his account on the Bikya Masr website, with the refrence to rejecting calls of agression towards Israel. You know, the WSJ is walking away [...]