Protests sparked by the military coup which overthrew Egyptian President Morsi’s administration last week are continuing into the start of the holy month of Ramadan. Pro-Morsi supporters are spending the day fasting, however after they partake in the fast-breaking meal (iftar) they have been flocking to the streets.
Ever since the army in Egypt put an end to the 368-day rule of the Mohamed Morsi administration on July 3, anti-coup demonstrations initiated by the Muslim Brotherhood and Morsi supporters have not let up, even with the start of the Holy month of Ramadan, in a display of sheer determination.
On Wednesday night, hundreds of thousands gathered at one of the capital Cairo's famous squares Rab'a al Adaweya in order to break their first day of fasting on tables set up in the square. As the hours passed, approximately 5,000 people marched to the Presidential Palace waving Egyptian flags and photos of Morsi while chanting, "Where is Morsi?" Deposed President Morsi's whereabouts have been unknown since last week, and it appears the military's announcement that he is "safe" has not sufficed for those protesting on the streets.
Meanwhile, Egypt's newly appointed Prime Minister Hazem el-Beblawi has inferred that members of the Muslim Brotherhood may join the interim government to be formed next week by stating, "I will not pursue a partisan way in forming the government."
THE U.S. IS NOT HALTING AID
The United States, which has announced that they are following the developments in Egypt with "concern" will be sending four of the 20 F-16 warplanes, dating back to a decision made in 2010, to Egypt within a few weeks time. In regards to the 1.5 billion dollar aid program the U.S. plans for Egypt, White House Spokesman Jay Carney has stated, "It's our view that it would not be wise to abruptly change our assistance program." Republican Senator Rand Paul, who has voiced criticism of the Obama administration continuing the aid program, has presented a proposal to Congress regarding halting military aid to Egypt. Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that the Egyptian public should decide their own destiny based on national dialogue. Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed deep concern over the detentions in Egypt and the arrest warrants issued against Muslim Brotherhood leaders and other senior figures.