Egyptian PM Kandil denounces vandalism

Egyptian Prime Minister Hisham Kandil has called on "the full spectrum of the Egyptian public" to "place the nation's best interests above any other considerations" and to choose dialogue over violence to resolve the crisis that the North African country is current experiencing. Speaking at a meeting with broadcasters at the Egyptian Radio and Television Union [ERTU], the PM described the current events as "critical," singling out the violence in the provinces of Suez, Port Said and Ismailia. Kandil affirmed "the right to free expression as long as it does not involve vandalism and damage to property," adding "what is happening now has nothing to do with peaceful expression of opinion." The PM added: "Political forces must call things their true names and lift the political cover of the vandals and promoters of disorder…Those who attack hotels and torch public and private properties are not demonstrators. They are vandals and must be treated with the utmost firmness within the bounds of the law." Kandil also applauded the police force, saying "They work in very tough conditions for up to 12 hours a day." He added: "The police now works within the framework of the law and must be supported in order to perform its role in protecting the public's security." Kandil also said he found it strange that declaring a state of emergency in Suez, Port Said and Ismailia has been described as "mass punishment." "These measures aim at protecting the brave people of the Suez Canal area and honest citizens from the unprecedented wave of violence launched by a group of violence who are tarnishing the image of the people of the Canal, whom we appreciate and cherish along with their gloriously heroic role." "Dialogue is the route to reaching resolutions and a consensus over the various issues," Kandil said, applauding President Mohammed Morsi's proposal put forward in the National Dialogue session Tuesday regarding the formation of a committee to explore the points of contention in the new constitution as a prelude to lodge them with the new Council of Representatives. "Series dialogue within a framework of mutual trust and pure intentions is the way to achieving national interests. Dialogue tied to pre-conditions, however, drains the concept of dialogue of any significance."