Salama demands Egyptian \'presidential council\'

Egyptian resistance leader Sheikh Hafiz Salama has demanded the formation of "a presidential council to rescue Egypt and recover safety and security for the Egyptian public." Salama was a prominent figure in the country’s 2011 revolution which lead to the resignation of the then ruling President Hosni Mubarak. In a statement issued today at the al-Shuhadaa Mosque in Suez, claimed that "hidden, malevolent hands" were working to bring down Egypt's military establishment, which he credited with "standing by the Egyptian public" and protecting the country’s revolution. However, he was keen to acknowledge some violations committed by the Egyptian military.  Salama went on to claim that no one person could lead Egypt, saying that "the responsibility is too big." "Your enemies and those who wish you ill are many and you and your group [the Muslim Brotherhood] suffer from the anger of the public who have seen nothing from you but schisms and nefarious practices," said Salama, addressing President Mohammed Morsi directly. "I do not belong to any current, party or group. I belong only to Islam and to my dear Egypt which I inherited from my ancestors and I will not put its future on the line for the sake of politeness,” he added. Salama also expressed concern over the steep rise in petrol, which has continued to increase in Egypt over recent years. He said the price hike has lead to the rising inflation of other goods. "Bread has become so small that one loaf would not even satiate a baby's hunger," said Salama.