CAIRO: Marking Lailat Al Qadr – the night it is believed the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Mohamed – President Hosni Mubarak gave a speech at Al Azhar University highlighting the need to show the true picture of Islam.
“It’s time to work on civilizing the nation of Islam and to fight corruption and never give up one’s rights, in addition to endorsing peace, said Mubarak.
“We all welcomed President Barack Obama’s speech in Cairo, launching new relationship between Muslims, the United Sates and the West based on mutual respect and common interest, he said. “Egypt is an integral part of the Arab and Islamic nation .we share common aspirations.
“We are also an integral part of this world. We should not be isolated, and we should start seizing beneficial opportunities, and handling crises and challenges.
Mubarak also laid stress on the Palestinian issue, claiming that it will remain a priority, which he believes is the key to peace, security and stability in the Middle East.
It is time for Arabs and Muslims around the world to develop a new and healthy relationship with Israel. The Palestinians have suffered a lot, added Mubarak.
Commenting on his speech, Muslim Brotherhood MP Hamdy Hassan was baffled by what he termed the president’s “dual personality .
This speech has nothing to do with reality, he said, as President Mubarak has done nothing for Jerusalem. “On the contrary he is oppressing and humiliating the Palestinians, Hassan added.
Egypt has been criticized for closing the Rafah border with Gaza, hence participating in an Israeli blockade that has strangled the impoverished strip.
On the other hand, Egypt has been active in mediating the Middle East peace process and in trying to reconcile rival Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas.
