Egypt briefs AU on recent developments

An Egyptian foreign ministry spokesman said on Thursday that Mona Omar, special envoy to President Adly Mansour, has briefed African Union (AU) officials on recent events that have taken place in Egypt. Badr abdel-Aty said Omar expressed Egypt’s rejection to the AU’s decision to suspend the country from union activities. Egypt was suspended from by the Peace and Security Council on 5 July, just days after the ouster of President Mohammed Morsi. The Peace and Security Council said the way Morsi was removed from power “falls under the definition of an unconstitutional change of government,” and that Egypt would be suspended until the restoration of constitutional order. The foreign ministry’s tour to Africa aims to inform African leaders on the situation in Egypt after “the 30 June Revolution,” which the foreign ministry says came as a “reflection of the design of the Egyptian people.” Abdel-Aty added that AU officials voiced “understanding” with the ongoing developments in Egypt and expressed solidarity with the Egyptian people during this historic phase. He added that they welcomed Egypt's approval to host a high-profile delegation from the AU Commission. Omar met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, whose country currently holds the AU’s rotating presidency, and delivered a hand written letter by Mansour on the current developments in Egypt, Egyptian news agency MENA reported. Meanwhile, presidential envoy Ambassador Ibrahim Ali Hasan briefed South African Foreign Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane on developments in Egypt. The Foreign Ministry said in statement that the envoy had reiterated the interim government's dedication to ensure that all parties participate in the political process. The statement also quoted Nkoana-Mashabane as reiterating support for the Egyptian people and appreciation for Egypt's support for the South African people during the apartheid era.