ElBaradei blames Morsi for polarisation

Ahram Online, Wednesday 24 Apr 2013

Opposition leader Mohamed ElBaradei warns President Morsi to end project that will 'destroy judicial independence'

ElBaradei
Mohamed El Baradei, founder of Constitution Party (Photo: reuters)

National Salvation Front (NSF) leader Mohamed ElBaradei stated on Tuesday that he holds President Mohamed Morsi responsible for the country's polarisation.

ElBaradei called on the president to “withdraw his project that will destroy judicial independence,” form an efficient, independent government, appoint a new prosecutor-general, and call for a serious national dialogue.

“Ignorance and stubbornness will destroy the country,” the NSF leader added.

On Sunday, Justice Minister Ahmed Mekki submitted his resignation, citing his unhappiness at Brotherhood-led demonstrations calling for the "purging of the judiciary" and attempts to reduce the retirement age of judges without taking their view on the issue.

In an interview with Qatari-owned Al-Jazeera, Morsi stressed his respect for Egypt’s judiciary but suggested Islamist demands for a purge of judiciary were due to concerns about the acquittal of several former regime figures.

The president also revealed a cabinet reshuffle would take place “soon.”

There have been widespread calls by the opposition for PM Hisham Qandil’s government to be replaced.

Also, President Morsi's advisor for legal affairs, Mohamed Fouad Gadallah, resigned on Tuesday, citing the president's failure to resolve the dispute with the judiciary.

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