Sisi praises 25 January revolution youth for kick-starting change

Presidential hopeful Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said that the youth of the 25 January revolution are fully appreciated for the changes they brought about, but that he doesn’t know how to recognize this.

In the second part of his television appearance on the Sky News Arabia satellite channel — the first half of which was aired on Sunday evening — Sisi praised the 25 January revolution for its role in kick-starting a process of change.

“The youth should be truly appreciated, but I frankly do not know how to deliver this. I urge them to stand by Egypt and to understand the tough conditions it is experiencing,” he said.

On Sinai, Sisi said that the troubled peninsula has been always an area that has fostered terrorism and that many chances have been given for such elements to give up their weapons.

Replying to a question on whether the ousted Muslim Brotherhood group had a safe haven in Sinai, Sisi agreed, claiming that the Islamist group is one of the biggest threats to the nation, and adding, “If we do not realize this, we will not be able to face it.”

The former head of the Armed Forces said that the development of Sinai is part of his plan to improve impoverished areas of the country.

On the peace treaty with Israel, Sisi reiterated previous statements that there would be stability, and said Israel would not be worried by Egyptian troops in Sinai.

“Egyptian troops already have a presence in Sinai, and I do not think that the other side [Israel] has a problem with this. Simply because they know that Egypt now has a mindful power.”

Sisi blamed Palestinian Hamas for its support of the Muslim Brotherhood, adding, "Their support among Egyptians has reached its lowest level.”

He said the Egyptian military is a “power that protects not threatens,” but that he could envisage the rapprochement of Turkey and Qatar, who declared their support of the Brotherhood.