ElBaradei to remain out of presidential race

Former Egyptian presidential candidate Mohamed ElBaradei stressed that he will not go back on his decision of pulling out from the presidential race, saying he chooses to serve the country and the people from outside the regime. “Egypt is moving backwards under the leadership of the Supreme Council of Armed Forces,” said the former head of the UN nuclear energy watchdog, criticising the idea of holding presidential elections before setting a constitution which would be “the sole legislative frame for any coming democratic step.” During his interview at el-Nahar satellite channel, ElBaradei added that Egyptians cannot be ruled through the “deformed” constitutional declaration, which contradicts with the constitutional amendments that were announced after the referendum held last March. On a different note, ElBaradei said that some presidential candidates are not fit for running, adding that the next president should reflect the revolution. He stressed that he will not back down on his decision to pullout from the presidential race only to gain the consent of the people, saying he will “not bargain with his conscience”. He indicated that the Egyptian people suffer from a major problem, which lies in obtaining a longed-for freedom without knowing how to handle it, noting that most Egyptians were used to having someone else run their own affairs. ElBaradei said he is still optimistic about a change in Egypt, noting that only in this case he would reconsider running for presidency, as only then he would be able to add more to the country through the regime. He added that his withdrawal from the elections does not mean he gave up public work, stressing on his intention to continue to work for the country and the people through the youth. With regard to the reconstruction of the Interior Ministry, ElBaradei stated that he has many concerns over such reconstruction, adding that former Minister Habib el-Adli’s aides still hold positions in the ministry.