. . . rejects Western dictates

CAIRO.
Egyptian government rejects any outside dictates, especially from the Western countries, Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit said on Sunday.
There is a big difference between the world interest in developments in Egypt and the attempts by some states, especially the Western ones, to dictate their will or interfere in Egypt’s affairs, Abul Gheit was quoted by official MENA news agency as saying.
“Developments in Egypt are reshaping the country’s political future. This is an Egyptian affair that only Egyptians themselves are to determine,” he said, adding “Unfortunately, we continue to see some officials and politicians practicing their favourite pastime of dictating lessons as if the Egyptian people listen to them.”
“I repeat it again and again: I advise them to stop telling us what to do and what they wish to see in Egypt. Egypt is under no one’s mandate,” the foreign minister said.
Abul Gheit’s remarks were the strongest reaction against foreign intervention since the nationwide demonstration erupted on January 25 with protestors calling for an immediate resignation of President Hosni Mubarak.
US President Barack Obama made a public call yesterday for an orderly transition in Egypt that must be “meaningful,” “peaceful” and “must begin now.” — Xinhua.