I’m leaving Egypt’s press union

Alwali will return to the al-Ahram Foundation Cairo - Islam Abou Zeid Mamdouh Alwali, head of Egypt’s Journalists’ Union, has denied rumours he will stand as syndicate chief again, claiming he is “too busy” running the al-Ahram Foundation. “I want to give the opportunity to somebody else,” he said, “and give my full attention to the al-Ahram foundation as it is experiencing some problems at the moment.” Egypt’s Journalists’ Union began received nominations for Alwali’s replacement on Saturday, along with six members of the organisation’s executive council. Speaking exclusively to Arabstoday, Alwali added he would follow through with plans, coordinated with Prime Minister Hisham Kandil, to increase funding allowances given over to media training and technology. New funding programmes will begin next July, he revealed.