Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Cairo (Agenzia Fides) - “The situation has partly returned to normality. There are small demonstrations throughout different areas in Egypt,” Fr Luciano Verdoscia, a Comboni missionary who works in Cairo tells Fides. “For example, yesterday in Cairo, in front of the Minister for Communications there was a protest by employees who demanded the resignation of the administration and revision of wages. Even employees of the “Al-Goumhouria” newspaper (The Nation) demonstrated outside the daily's headquarters to demand the resignation of directors. Investigations are also continuing about the regime's corruption. Particularly targeted are the scandals related to the sale of agricultural land on which the tourist villages have sprung up.”
Yesterday, Sunday, 13 February, the Supreme Council of the armed forces dissolved the Parliament, froze the Constitution and announced that it will rule the Country for the next six months, or until parliamentary and presidential elections are held. On asking Fr Luciano if the protesters fear the imposition of military rule, he replied: “You do not feel the fear of a military dictatorship, because what happened in Egypt in recent days has been a lesson for dictators in general. The events in Egypt were followed around the world. For example, in sub-Saharan Africa they have been closely following the Egyptian revolution. Young people still want to ensure that the democratic process goes forward. Grassroots democracy is being born, according to a strong tradition, that of the “Shura” (Council). Neighbourhood and mosque councils are being created. The meetings by these bodies, will probably give rise to new parties,” said Fr Luciano.
“Until yesterday, Tahrir Square was still occupied by some groups of demonstrators,” continued the missionary. “I am positively impressed by the youth who worked to clean up the square: there were groups with brooms and dustbins intent on collecting the garbage, while others were painting, at their expense, the railing separating the sidewalk from the street. These gestures mean: this is our Country and we want to look after it. The slogan is spreading: “Raise your head you are Egyptian”, ie be proud to be Egyptian because the Egyptians have given an example of civility to the world. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 14/02/2011)
