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Egypt protests ahead of election results - live updates Egypt protests ahead of election results - live updates
(40 minutes later)
1.21pm: Here's a roundup of the latest developments:
Egypt
• The ruling military council has blamed the Muslim Brotherhood for raising tensions by releasing election results early. The council says announcing the results before an official statement was "unjustified" and is the main reason behind the confusion and divisions plaguing the political situation.
• Tens of thousands of Egyptians have converged on Tahrir Square in Cairo to protest against the ruling military council's power grab. Besides the Muslim Brotherhood, several other parties and revolutionary groups are supporting the protests including the Salafist al-Nour party, the April 6th Movement, and the Revolutionary Socialists.
• The election authorities are considering re-running elections in more than 100 polling station, according to Ahram Online.
Syria
• The bodies of more than 25 men have been found in Aleppo province. Opposition sources suggest they were pro-Assad shabiha militiamen, while the government says they were citizens kidnapped by armed terrorist groups.
• General Mowaffak Joumaa, head of Syria's Olympic committee, has been refused entry to the UK for the London games because of his links to President Assad and the Syrian military, the BBC reports.
• US defence secretary Leon Panetta has implicitly acknowledged that some countries are providing lethal aid to the Syrian opposition. He said the US had "made a decision not to provide lethal assistance at this point" but added: "I know others have made their own decisions" (see 11.02am)
• Members of Bashar al-Assad's inner circle are making plans to defect to the opposition should the Syrian regime become critically threatened by the rebellion, a US official told the Telegraph. "We are seeing members of Bashar al-Assad's inner circle make plans to leave," the official said.
Libya
• Libyan prime minister Abdulrahim el-Keib says the detained International Criminal Court lawyer Melinda Taylor is guilty of actions that "compromised national security" and will not be released. She was arrested with three other ICC officers earlier this month after meeting the indicted war crimes suspect Saif al-Islam Gaddafi.
1.17pm: Egypt: Reuters has a fuller report on Scaf's statement:
Egypt's ruling military council criticised the two presidential candidates for making premature claims of victory on Friday and said it would stand by a decree limiting the new president's powers, which many see as prolonging military rule.
As thousands of mainly Islamist protesters gathered for weekly prayers on Cairo's Tahrir Square, the army said people were free to protest as long as they did not disrupt daily life but flatly rejected their demands that it rescind the dissolution of parliament and an order giving itself more power.
The move was justified "during this critical period" for the good of the country, the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (Scaf) said in a statement broadcast on state television.
Criticising the candidates, though not by name, it said: "Anticipating the announcement of the presidential election results before they are announced officially is unjustifiable and is one of the main causes of division and confusion prevailing the political arena."
Responding to complaints, the council said in its statement: "The issuance of the supplementary constitutional decree was necessitated by the needs of administering the affairs of the state during this critical period in the history of our nation."
"The rule of law is the basis of governance in the state," it said. "The state shall be subject to the law and independent judiciary, whose independence and immunity are two basic guarantees to safeguard rights and freedoms.
1.13pm: Egypt: The ruling military council has blamed the Muslim Brotherhood for raising tensions in the country by releasing election results early, AP reports.
The military council says announcing the results before an official statement was "unjustified" and is the main reason behind the confusion and divisions plaguing the political situation.
Scaf also confirmed the dissolution of parliament, according to reports.
Summary#SCAF statement: Dissolution of parliament will not be revoked, constitutional declaration stays, and we'll use force when needed.
— Menna منّة(@TheMiinz) June 22, 2012
1.07pm: Egypt: The mood in Tahrir is very defiant, Abdel-Rahman Hussein reports from Cairo.
The Muslim Brotherhood have upped the ante. Even before the Friday noon prayers Tahrir Square was full. It is almost like the original 18 days in that respect. They are keeping up the pressure until the election results are announced.
No one can fill up the square with these numbers accept the Muslim Brotherhood, and the other Islamist blocs. But other revolutionary are coming out too.
This a message from the Muslim Brotherhood, that 'we are keeping up the pressure until we get something'. It is a negotiating ploy. They have the numbers to do this. They are going to keep people there at least until the results are announced. They have a lot at stake right now, and it really is squeaky bum time for the Muslim Brotherhood. The next few days are decisive for their future.
If there is internal dissent within the Brotherhood it is behind closed doors. They are putting up a united front.
Abdu speculates that the Brotherhood is in negotiate with the military over the future of presidency and the parliament. But he added:
More important is the constitution. That's really what the fight is about, that's really what concerns the military council. They don't want the constitution to be monopolised by Islamist forces, which was the case up until the dissolution of parliament.
Former prime minster Ahmed Shafiq was very "cock sure and confident" that he had won the race in yesterday's press conference, Abdu said.
Hillary Clinton's criticism of revolutionaries will be ignored in Cairo, Abdu added:
Comments from US officials have had very little bearing on the situation in Egypt anymore. This military is backed to the tune of $1.3bn a year by the US. This military is most at fault for the impasse we are in. They are pulling the rug from democracy in Egypt. They are doing it with the tacit blessing of the US, so US officials are not ones to talk.
12.47pm: Syria: Twenty-six men believed to be pro-government shabiha have been killed in Aleppo province, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says.12.47pm: Syria: Twenty-six men believed to be pro-government shabiha have been killed in Aleppo province, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says.
A very gruesome video posted on Youtube shows a number of bodies covered in blood and piled on top of each other at the side of a road. Some are in army fatigues and others in civilian clothes. A very gruesome video posted on YouTube shows a number of bodies covered in blood and piled on top of each other at the side of a road. Some are in army fatigues and others in civilian clothes.
The government news agency Sana also has a report which is thought to refer to the same incident:The government news agency Sana also has a report which is thought to refer to the same incident:
Armed terrorist groups on Friday kidnapped a number of citizens in Daret Azzeh area in the countryside of Aleppo, according to oficial sources in the province.Armed terrorist groups on Friday kidnapped a number of citizens in Daret Azzeh area in the countryside of Aleppo, according to oficial sources in the province.
The sources later confirmed that the terrorist groups in Daret Azzeh committed a brutal massacre against the citizens, whom they had kidnapped earlier on the day, through shooting them dead and then mutilating their bodies.The sources later confirmed that the terrorist groups in Daret Azzeh committed a brutal massacre against the citizens, whom they had kidnapped earlier on the day, through shooting them dead and then mutilating their bodies.
The sources added that initial information indicates that more than 25 of the kidnapped citizens were killed in Daret Azzeh massacre, with the fate of the rest of the kidnapped people is still unknown.The sources added that initial information indicates that more than 25 of the kidnapped citizens were killed in Daret Azzeh massacre, with the fate of the rest of the kidnapped people is still unknown.
12.12pm: Egypt: The military council's statement has been put back to 1.30pm (12.30pm BST) amid speculation about what it may contain.12.12pm: Egypt: The military council's statement has been put back to 1.30pm (12.30pm BST) amid speculation about what it may contain.
Journalist Alaa Bayoumi tweets:Journalist Alaa Bayoumi tweets:
Expected statement by #SCAF to call on people to protect security, stability of the country, and warn against chaos. #EgyptExpected statement by #SCAF to call on people to protect security, stability of the country, and warn against chaos. #Egypt
— Alaa Bayoumi (@Alaabayoumi) June 22, 2012— Alaa Bayoumi (@Alaabayoumi) June 22, 2012
#SCAF statement to also will call on all #Egyptians to support legitimate president selected by the people.#SCAF statement to also will call on all #Egyptians to support legitimate president selected by the people.
— Alaa Bayoumi (@Alaabayoumi) June 22, 2012— Alaa Bayoumi (@Alaabayoumi) June 22, 2012
12.08pm: Egypt: Tens of thousands of Egyptians have converged on Tahrir Square in Cairo to protest against the ruling military council's power grab, AP reports.12.08pm: Egypt: Tens of thousands of Egyptians have converged on Tahrir Square in Cairo to protest against the ruling military council's power grab, AP reports.
The cleric leading the prayers said Mohamed Morsi, the Muslim Brotherhood's presidential candidate, was the clear winner in the election.The cleric leading the prayers said Mohamed Morsi, the Muslim Brotherhood's presidential candidate, was the clear winner in the election.
Protesters chanted against the military council, which issued a declaration last week stripping the next president of much of his authority.Protesters chanted against the military council, which issued a declaration last week stripping the next president of much of his authority.
Here's one of the latest images from the scene.Here's one of the latest images from the scene.
11.41am: Egypt: The election authorities are considering re-running elections in more than 100 polling station, according to Ahram Online.11.41am: Egypt: The election authorities are considering re-running elections in more than 100 polling station, according to Ahram Online.
But its sources claim that the Supreme Presidential Elections Committee's figures show that Morsi was the winner of last weekend's runoff.But its sources claim that the Supreme Presidential Elections Committee's figures show that Morsi was the winner of last weekend's runoff.
Sources also confirmed that Morsi got more votes in SPEC's count: which, they suggest, would not be reversed even if disputed votes are discounted. The only way Morsi's win could be reversed, they say, is if re-elections are held in disputed polling stations. Excluding whole stations from the results would affect both candidates which would still leave Mursi still in the lead.Sources also confirmed that Morsi got more votes in SPEC's count: which, they suggest, would not be reversed even if disputed votes are discounted. The only way Morsi's win could be reversed, they say, is if re-elections are held in disputed polling stations. Excluding whole stations from the results would affect both candidates which would still leave Mursi still in the lead.
11.25am: Syria: There have been expectations for some time that General Mowaffak Joumaa, head of Syria's Olympic committee, would be refused entry to the UK for the London games on the grounds of his links to President Assad and the Syrian military.11.25am: Syria: There have been expectations for some time that General Mowaffak Joumaa, head of Syria's Olympic committee, would be refused entry to the UK for the London games on the grounds of his links to President Assad and the Syrian military.
Now, though, it appears to be official. Jon Wiliams of the BBC tweets:Now, though, it appears to be official. Jon Wiliams of the BBC tweets:
Gen. Mowaffak Journa refused visa to attend #Olympics because of "close links to Assad regime". IOC will be informed later today #SyriaGen. Mowaffak Journa refused visa to attend #Olympics because of "close links to Assad regime". IOC will be informed later today #Syria
— Jon Williams (@WilliamsJon) June 22, 2012— Jon Williams (@WilliamsJon) June 22, 2012
11.06am: Egypt: Tens of thousands of people have now gathered in Tahrir Square according to the latest reports and images.11.06am: Egypt: Tens of thousands of people have now gathered in Tahrir Square according to the latest reports and images.
Radio journalist Matthew Bell captures some of the sounds of the protests.Radio journalist Matthew Bell captures some of the sounds of the protests.
The ruling generals are preparing to issue a statement, according to reports.The ruling generals are preparing to issue a statement, according to reports.
SCAF to issue a statement at 1 pm #EgyptSCAF to issue a statement at 1 pm #Egypt
— Zeinobia (@Zeinobia) June 22, 2012— Zeinobia (@Zeinobia) June 22, 2012
Al Jazeera: SCAF to issue statement today warning against creating chaos #EgyptAl Jazeera: SCAF to issue statement today warning against creating chaos #Egypt
— Sultan Al Qassemi (@SultanAlQassemi) June 22, 2012— Sultan Al Qassemi (@SultanAlQassemi) June 22, 2012
11.02am: Syria: US defence secretary Leon Panetta (left) has implicitly acknowledged that some countries are providing lethal aid to the Syrian opposition.11.02am: Syria: US defence secretary Leon Panetta (left) has implicitly acknowledged that some countries are providing lethal aid to the Syrian opposition.
In an interview yesterday, he said the US had "made a decision not to provide lethal assistance at this point" but added: "I know others have made their own decisions."In an interview yesterday, he said the US had "made a decision not to provide lethal assistance at this point" but added: "I know others have made their own decisions."
While insisting that "it's very important right now that everybody focus on a smooth and responsible political transition," he also appeared not to rule out US provision of lethal assistance in the future.While insisting that "it's very important right now that everybody focus on a smooth and responsible political transition," he also appeared not to rule out US provision of lethal assistance in the future.
Yesterday, it was reported that CIA officers in Turkey are "helping allies decide which Syrian opposition fighters across the border will receive arms".Yesterday, it was reported that CIA officers in Turkey are "helping allies decide which Syrian opposition fighters across the border will receive arms".
So far, Gulf states have not specifically said they are arming the opposition. Last April they said they would channel funds to the Syrian National Council to pay fighters in the Free Syrian Army and those who dared to defect from the Assad regime.So far, Gulf states have not specifically said they are arming the opposition. Last April they said they would channel funds to the Syrian National Council to pay fighters in the Free Syrian Army and those who dared to defect from the Assad regime.
10.45am: Egypt: The Muslim Brotherhood has urged Ahmed Shafiq to concede defeat in the presidential election.10.45am: Egypt: The Muslim Brotherhood has urged Ahmed Shafiq to concede defeat in the presidential election.
Essam El-Erian, vice-chairman of Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party, said the sit-in in Tahrir Square would continue until parliament is reinstated. Essam el-Erian, vice-chairman of Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party, said the sit-in in Tahrir Square would continue until parliament is reinstated.
In an interview with al-Jazeera he said: "The parliament was elected by the will of the people, and the will of the people must be respected. On the other hand, the constitutional court ruling does not mean the dissolution of parliament. Therefore, we're saying 'We are in liberty square, until parliament returns'. The court's ruling is limited to individual seats only. Parliament is quite capable of dealing with this decision."In an interview with al-Jazeera he said: "The parliament was elected by the will of the people, and the will of the people must be respected. On the other hand, the constitutional court ruling does not mean the dissolution of parliament. Therefore, we're saying 'We are in liberty square, until parliament returns'. The court's ruling is limited to individual seats only. Parliament is quite capable of dealing with this decision."
Mukhtar Ashri, chairman of the FJP's legal committee, urged the election commission to announce the results today.Mukhtar Ashri, chairman of the FJP's legal committee, urged the election commission to announce the results today.
Shafiq is in no mood to concede. "I am confident I'll be the rightful winnerr. And d wait for word the election commission," he said at a press conference last night.Shafiq is in no mood to concede. "I am confident I'll be the rightful winnerr. And d wait for word the election commission," he said at a press conference last night.
10.29am: Egypt: Protests are under way but this is not a new revolution, argues Cairo-based analyst Eric Trager from the Washington Institute.10.29am: Egypt: Protests are under way but this is not a new revolution, argues Cairo-based analyst Eric Trager from the Washington Institute.
The youth activists are likely to overreach: They will overstate their public support, make their demands too high, push for them too hard, and - sadly - be targeted for the most violent response.The youth activists are likely to overreach: They will overstate their public support, make their demands too high, push for them too hard, and - sadly - be targeted for the most violent response.
The Brotherhood, on the other hand, may already be hedging its bets: It is reportedly negotiating with the SCAF. So despite the Brotherhood's talk about "completing the revolution," it could back down at any moment - presumably, as long as it's given the share of power it has long sought ....The Brotherhood, on the other hand, may already be hedging its bets: It is reportedly negotiating with the SCAF. So despite the Brotherhood's talk about "completing the revolution," it could back down at any moment - presumably, as long as it's given the share of power it has long sought ....
The protests are not affecting anything beyond Tahrir Square, and there is a large segment of the Egyptian public that opposes them - at least in form, if not in substance. The next stage of Egypt's post-Mubarak transition will thus likely be a sustained confrontation between the Scaf on one hand and an uncomfortable coalition of revolutionary youth activists and Islamists on the other. There may be moments of intense violence, and others of negotiated calm. But unless these demonstrations are capable of capturing the broader public, they will likely be a much more contained affair than last year's revolution.The protests are not affecting anything beyond Tahrir Square, and there is a large segment of the Egyptian public that opposes them - at least in form, if not in substance. The next stage of Egypt's post-Mubarak transition will thus likely be a sustained confrontation between the Scaf on one hand and an uncomfortable coalition of revolutionary youth activists and Islamists on the other. There may be moments of intense violence, and others of negotiated calm. But unless these demonstrations are capable of capturing the broader public, they will likely be a much more contained affair than last year's revolution.
10.17am: Syria/Israel: A Syrian man has been detained by Israeli forces after crossing the fence into the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, al-Jazeera reports.10.17am: Syria/Israel: A Syrian man has been detained by Israeli forces after crossing the fence into the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, al-Jazeera reports.
It appears that the man is currently being treated as "an infiltrator" rather than a refugee from the Assad regime. Ynetnews says:It appears that the man is currently being treated as "an infiltrator" rather than a refugee from the Assad regime. Ynetnews says:
Sources in the defence establishment said this is not the first time this year that a Syrian citizen tries to infiltrate Israel via the Golan Heights.Sources in the defence establishment said this is not the first time this year that a Syrian citizen tries to infiltrate Israel via the Golan Heights.
Defence officials recently estimated that clashes in Syria could spill over to the border area and conjectured that Syrians may seek refuge in Israel.Defence officials recently estimated that clashes in Syria could spill over to the border area and conjectured that Syrians may seek refuge in Israel.
10.11am: Syria: The number of people needing humanitarian assistance has risen to 1.5m from the previous estimate of 1m, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said today.10.11am: Syria: The number of people needing humanitarian assistance has risen to 1.5m from the previous estimate of 1m, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said today.
The World Food Programme had distributed food to 461,000 Syrians by mid-June and aims to increase that number to 850,000 in July, officials said.The World Food Programme had distributed food to 461,000 Syrians by mid-June and aims to increase that number to 850,000 in July, officials said.
Robert Watkins, UN Development Programme representative in neighbouring Lebanon, told Reuters:Robert Watkins, UN Development Programme representative in neighbouring Lebanon, told Reuters:
Increasing violence has made it extremely difficult to establish the field presence so important for ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid. Humanitarian deliveries do continue, however, though not at the pace we had hoped and as required by the needs.Increasing violence has made it extremely difficult to establish the field presence so important for ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid. Humanitarian deliveries do continue, however, though not at the pace we had hoped and as required by the needs.
10.00am: Egypt: The Economist calls on the US to use its sizeable military subsidy as leverage to persuade the military council to hand over power.10.00am: Egypt: The Economist calls on the US to use its sizeable military subsidy as leverage to persuade the military council to hand over power.
The generals thrive on American aid and are plainly nervous about seizing untrammelled power. By pressing them to negotiate with Morsi over a constitution to provide for a new parliament, the United States and Europe could tip the balance in democracy's favour.The generals thrive on American aid and are plainly nervous about seizing untrammelled power. By pressing them to negotiate with Morsi over a constitution to provide for a new parliament, the United States and Europe could tip the balance in democracy's favour.
In her interview with Charlie Rose, Hillary Clinton hinted that the US did not want to scupper Egypt's peace treaty with Israel by pushing the generals too hard.In her interview with Charlie Rose, Hillary Clinton hinted that the US did not want to scupper Egypt's peace treaty with Israel by pushing the generals too hard.
The military has to assume an appropriate role, which is not to try to interfere with, dominate, or subvert the constitutional authority. They have to get a constitution written. There's a lot of work ahead of them.The military has to assume an appropriate role, which is not to try to interfere with, dominate, or subvert the constitutional authority. They have to get a constitution written. There's a lot of work ahead of them.
We also believe it is very much in Egypt's interest, while they're facing political turmoil and economic difficulties, to honour the peace treaty with Israel. The last thing they need is to make a decision that would undermine their stability. And furthermore, we think it's important that they reassert law and order over the Sinai, which is becoming a large, lawless area, and that they take seriously the internal threats from extremists and terrorists. So they have a lot ahead of them.We also believe it is very much in Egypt's interest, while they're facing political turmoil and economic difficulties, to honour the peace treaty with Israel. The last thing they need is to make a decision that would undermine their stability. And furthermore, we think it's important that they reassert law and order over the Sinai, which is becoming a large, lawless area, and that they take seriously the internal threats from extremists and terrorists. So they have a lot ahead of them.
9.50am: Egypt: The BBC has a useful guide to what happens next if Shafiq or Morsi wins the election. Here's a summary version, including an intriguing third option:9.50am: Egypt: The BBC has a useful guide to what happens next if Shafiq or Morsi wins the election. Here's a summary version, including an intriguing third option:
If Shafiq winsIf Shafiq wins
The Brotherhood will take advantage of the enmity the revolutionaries have towards the military rulers, whom it suspects of wanting to remain in power with Mr Shafiq as their front man.The Brotherhood will take advantage of the enmity the revolutionaries have towards the military rulers, whom it suspects of wanting to remain in power with Mr Shafiq as their front man.
There are fears that the situation could turn violent, like in Algeria where an estimated 150,000 people died in the years after the 1992 elections were scrapped when it became clear that the Islamists had won.There are fears that the situation could turn violent, like in Algeria where an estimated 150,000 people died in the years after the 1992 elections were scrapped when it became clear that the Islamists had won.
However, the Brotherhood has been trying to play down this scenario.However, the Brotherhood has been trying to play down this scenario.
If Morsi winsIf Morsi wins
While there may not be a major reaction to a Morsi victory on the streets, there is likely to be a confrontation at a different level: between Mr Mursi and what is now called the "deep state".While there may not be a major reaction to a Morsi victory on the streets, there is likely to be a confrontation at a different level: between Mr Mursi and what is now called the "deep state".
The army has already secured complete control over its own affairs, limited the president's powers and ensured a future role in drafting the new constitution.The army has already secured complete control over its own affairs, limited the president's powers and ensured a future role in drafting the new constitution.
A third scenarioA third scenario
Although people are expecting an imminent announcement of the election result, an unexpected scenario could unfold: cancellation of the results and a re-run of the elections, at least in some provinces.Although people are expecting an imminent announcement of the election result, an unexpected scenario could unfold: cancellation of the results and a re-run of the elections, at least in some provinces.
Farouq Sultan, the head of the election commission, has reportedly said that as many as a million votes could be invalid.Farouq Sultan, the head of the election commission, has reportedly said that as many as a million votes could be invalid.
9.32am: Egypt: There are lots of tents and a few thousand people gathered in Tahrir Square, according to this video recorded within the last few minutes.9.32am: Egypt: There are lots of tents and a few thousand people gathered in Tahrir Square, according to this video recorded within the last few minutes.
This is nothing like the turnout witnessed during last year's revolution.This is nothing like the turnout witnessed during last year's revolution.
9.28am: Egypt: Muslim Brotherhood supporters believe the generals won't accept an Islamist president, the BBC's Kevin Connolly reports from Cairo.9.28am: Egypt: Muslim Brotherhood supporters believe the generals won't accept an Islamist president, the BBC's Kevin Connolly reports from Cairo.
One told him: "The army is trying to steal our revolution".One told him: "The army is trying to steal our revolution".
9.10am: Syria: The "apocalyptic wasteland" of Homs is captured in a 10-minute video highlighted by the Atlantic.9.10am: Syria: The "apocalyptic wasteland" of Homs is captured in a 10-minute video highlighted by the Atlantic.
The graphic and unverified footage portrays a 10-minute foot and motorbike journey into "Syria's heart of darkness", Atlantic's Max Fisher says.The graphic and unverified footage portrays a 10-minute foot and motorbike journey into "Syria's heart of darkness", Atlantic's Max Fisher says.
The streets are mostly empty and totally silent, save for a distant but steady stream of gunshots. At one point, the videographer finds a group of young men – the only people we see are young men, everyone else appears to have fled or hidden in the few still-habitable homes – evacuating, from the back of a sedan to the bed of a pickup truck, a wounded and obviously terrified rebel fighter.The streets are mostly empty and totally silent, save for a distant but steady stream of gunshots. At one point, the videographer finds a group of young men – the only people we see are young men, everyone else appears to have fled or hidden in the few still-habitable homes – evacuating, from the back of a sedan to the bed of a pickup truck, a wounded and obviously terrified rebel fighter.
Somehow, it's the scenes with no action at all that are the most unnerving: a long row of burned-out cars, streets blanketed with cinderblocks blown out of neighbouring buildings, a complete dining room set perched in what remains of a third-floor apartment and totally exposed after the ceiling and wall have been destroyed, presumably by the Syrian government's near-constant shelling of this city of 750,000 people.Somehow, it's the scenes with no action at all that are the most unnerving: a long row of burned-out cars, streets blanketed with cinderblocks blown out of neighbouring buildings, a complete dining room set perched in what remains of a third-floor apartment and totally exposed after the ceiling and wall have been destroyed, presumably by the Syrian government's near-constant shelling of this city of 750,000 people.
8.43am: (all times BST) Welcome to Middle East Live.8.43am: (all times BST) Welcome to Middle East Live.
Here's a roundup of the latest developments:Here's a roundup of the latest developments:
EgyptEgypt
• The Muslim Brotherhood started a sit-in ahead of a widely-backed planned protest in Tahrir Square today to reject last week's decision by parliament, and this week's delay in the announcement of the presidential election results. Several other parties and revolutionary groups are supporting the protests including the Salafist al-Nour party, the April 6th Movement, and the Revolutionary Socialists, Ahram reports.• The Muslim Brotherhood started a sit-in ahead of a widely-backed planned protest in Tahrir Square today to reject last week's decision by parliament, and this week's delay in the announcement of the presidential election results. Several other parties and revolutionary groups are supporting the protests including the Salafist al-Nour party, the April 6th Movement, and the Revolutionary Socialists, Ahram reports.
• Former prime minister Ahmed Shafiq says he is certain that he won the election, the Egypt Independent reports. But he refused to give figures ahead of the official announcement expected this weekend. He said: "I am sure that all the world leaders will deal with the winner, and history will not forgive any foreign power that tries to interfere in the voters' decision. I call upon all Egyptians ot co-operate for the sake of Egypt. I extend my hand to everyone."• Former prime minister Ahmed Shafiq says he is certain that he won the election, the Egypt Independent reports. But he refused to give figures ahead of the official announcement expected this weekend. He said: "I am sure that all the world leaders will deal with the winner, and history will not forgive any foreign power that tries to interfere in the voters' decision. I call upon all Egyptians ot co-operate for the sake of Egypt. I extend my hand to everyone."
• The delay in the official results is fuelling suspicion that they are taking "extra time to cook this", says Ashraf Khalil on the latest Arabist podcast.• The delay in the official results is fuelling suspicion that they are taking "extra time to cook this", says Ashraf Khalil on the latest Arabist podcast.
There is a widespread belief that the Muslim Brotherhood is involved in high stakes negotiations over the result of the elections and the dissolution of parliament, the podcast discussed. It said there is a noticeable lack of outrage among secularists at the dissolution of parliament because of their antipathy to the Muslim Brotherhood.There is a widespread belief that the Muslim Brotherhood is involved in high stakes negotiations over the result of the elections and the dissolution of parliament, the podcast discussed. It said there is a noticeable lack of outrage among secularists at the dissolution of parliament because of their antipathy to the Muslim Brotherhood.
• The Muslim Brotherhood's instinct is not to protest but to try to solve Egypt's political crisis behind closed doors, according to the New Yorker's Peter Hessler in Cairo.• The Muslim Brotherhood's instinct is not to protest but to try to solve Egypt's political crisis behind closed doors, according to the New Yorker's Peter Hessler in Cairo.
Talking on a New Yorker podcast he describes his incredulity that so few of the Brotherhood's MPs protested outside parliament following its dissolution. He also criticises the Brotherhood for failing to build alliances with secularists when the parliament was in operation. "I think they are negotiating with the military council," he said. He added: "The thing that would lead to spontaneous demonstrations, is if the [electoral] commission announces that [Ahmed] Shafiq won the election. Then you're going to a see a lot of people out on the square and probably a lot of angry people." Wendell Steavenson, told the programme there is hope for Egypt if Morsi is declared the victor. "The fact that Morsi won and not Shafiq, means it was a free and unrigged election. That is not a small thing. If this is ratified the idea that for the first time in their history Egyptians have popularly, legitimately elected a leader is not a small thing. That process gives me hope."Talking on a New Yorker podcast he describes his incredulity that so few of the Brotherhood's MPs protested outside parliament following its dissolution. He also criticises the Brotherhood for failing to build alliances with secularists when the parliament was in operation. "I think they are negotiating with the military council," he said. He added: "The thing that would lead to spontaneous demonstrations, is if the [electoral] commission announces that [Ahmed] Shafiq won the election. Then you're going to a see a lot of people out on the square and probably a lot of angry people." Wendell Steavenson, told the programme there is hope for Egypt if Morsi is declared the victor. "The fact that Morsi won and not Shafiq, means it was a free and unrigged election. That is not a small thing. If this is ratified the idea that for the first time in their history Egyptians have popularly, legitimately elected a leader is not a small thing. That process gives me hope."
• US secretary of state Hillary Clinton has urged the Egyptian military to hand over power to the "legitimate winner", but she has also chided revolutionaries for failing to get involved in politics. Speaking to the broadcaster Charlie Rose she said: "It is imperative that the military fulfill its promise to the Egyptian people to turn power over to the legitimate winner."• US secretary of state Hillary Clinton has urged the Egyptian military to hand over power to the "legitimate winner", but she has also chided revolutionaries for failing to get involved in politics. Speaking to the broadcaster Charlie Rose she said: "It is imperative that the military fulfill its promise to the Egyptian people to turn power over to the legitimate winner."
But she added:But she added:
Democracy is not about one election, one time ... One of the stories that will emerge even more in the months ahead is that the people who started the revolution in Tahrir Square decided they wouldn't really get involved in politics. I remember going to Cairo shortly after the success of the revolution, meeting with a large group of these mostly young people. And when I said, 'So are you going to form a political party? Are you going to be working on behalf of political change?' They said, 'Oh no. We're revolutionaries. We don't do politics.' ... I sat there and I thought that's how revolutions get totally derailed, taken over, undermined.Democracy is not about one election, one time ... One of the stories that will emerge even more in the months ahead is that the people who started the revolution in Tahrir Square decided they wouldn't really get involved in politics. I remember going to Cairo shortly after the success of the revolution, meeting with a large group of these mostly young people. And when I said, 'So are you going to form a political party? Are you going to be working on behalf of political change?' They said, 'Oh no. We're revolutionaries. We don't do politics.' ... I sat there and I thought that's how revolutions get totally derailed, taken over, undermined.
SyriaSyria
• Thursday witnessed the bloodiest day since the beginning of a shattered ceasefire, al-Jazeera reports, citing the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The Observatory said 114 people were killed yesterday.• Thursday witnessed the bloodiest day since the beginning of a shattered ceasefire, al-Jazeera reports, citing the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The Observatory said 114 people were killed yesterday.
• Jordan has granted asylum to a Syrian fighter pilot who landed his warplane at a military base near Amman on Thursday morning and announced his defection from the Assad regime. The pilot, a colonel, named by opposition activists as Hassan Merhi al-Hamadi, is the first known to have fled with a plane during the 16-month uprising.• Jordan has granted asylum to a Syrian fighter pilot who landed his warplane at a military base near Amman on Thursday morning and announced his defection from the Assad regime. The pilot, a colonel, named by opposition activists as Hassan Merhi al-Hamadi, is the first known to have fled with a plane during the 16-month uprising.
• The US has hailed the courage of the colonel, and encouraged others to do the same. State department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said: "We'd like to see more of this. We consider it extremely courageous and the right kind of move. It's obviously a significant moment when a guy takes a $25m plane and flies to another country and asks for asylum."• The US has hailed the courage of the colonel, and encouraged others to do the same. State department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said: "We'd like to see more of this. We consider it extremely courageous and the right kind of move. It's obviously a significant moment when a guy takes a $25m plane and flies to another country and asks for asylum."
• UN peacekeeping chief Herve Ladsous has privately conceded that the UN's monitoring mission in Syria has outlived its usefulness, Foreign Policy reports. At a private session with the security council Ladsous said that the recent increase in violence in Syria had simply obliterated the ceasefire the monitors were there to enforce.• UN peacekeeping chief Herve Ladsous has privately conceded that the UN's monitoring mission in Syria has outlived its usefulness, Foreign Policy reports. At a private session with the security council Ladsous said that the recent increase in violence in Syria had simply obliterated the ceasefire the monitors were there to enforce.
• Members of Bashar al-Assad's inner circle are making plans to defect to the opposition should the Syrian regime become critically threatened by the rebellion, a US official told the Telegraph. "We are seeing members of Bashar al-Assad's inner circle make plans to leave," the official said.• Members of Bashar al-Assad's inner circle are making plans to defect to the opposition should the Syrian regime become critically threatened by the rebellion, a US official told the Telegraph. "We are seeing members of Bashar al-Assad's inner circle make plans to leave," the official said.
LibyaLibya
• Libyan prime minister Abdulrahim el-Keib said that the detained international criminal court lawyer Melinda Taylor was guilty of actions that "compromised national security" and would not be released. She was arrested with three other ICC officers earlier this month after meeting the indicted war crimes suspect Saif al-Islam Gaddafi. Keib said: "During the meeting with the defendant [Saif], the defendant Melinda Taylor handed over to the accused some documents and papers which compromise the national security of Libya. These documents have nothing to do with the ICC mission." Taylor's three colleagues – a Lebanese translator, Russian diplomat and Spanish legal expert – have been told they are free to leave Zintan but have elected to stay with Taylor.• Libyan prime minister Abdulrahim el-Keib said that the detained international criminal court lawyer Melinda Taylor was guilty of actions that "compromised national security" and would not be released. She was arrested with three other ICC officers earlier this month after meeting the indicted war crimes suspect Saif al-Islam Gaddafi. Keib said: "During the meeting with the defendant [Saif], the defendant Melinda Taylor handed over to the accused some documents and papers which compromise the national security of Libya. These documents have nothing to do with the ICC mission." Taylor's three colleagues – a Lebanese translator, Russian diplomat and Spanish legal expert – have been told they are free to leave Zintan but have elected to stay with Taylor.