Morsi’s Response to Criticism Over Embassy Attacks

Photo Credit: Reuters

Egyptian President Mohammad Morsi will be landing in New York on Sunday, for the U.N. General Assembly amidst criticism over Egypt’s response to last week’s demonstrations. Egyptian officials condemned the violence, but expressed sympathy for the public’s anger over insults to Islam. Morsi responded to U.S. criticism, stating his domestic issues ultimately outweigh U.S. interests: “it is important for observers to understand Egyptian foreign policy from the ‘inside-out.’”

On Thursday, Prime Minister Hesham Qandil expressed support for the people’s right to protest but urged  tolerance and peaceful assembly. The government stated that anyone who violates this policy will be punished under Egyptian law. Protesters have begun demonstrating at the French Embassy in Cairo in response to cartoons printed in a French satirical magazine, which also mock the Prophet Mohammad. The Muslim Brotherhood  stated they would not partake in the protest, but would submit a formal declaration of protest to the French embassy.