VIOLENT PROTESTS

Egypt’s Prime Minister Begs for Peace

Blames disorder for economic damage.

Egyptian Prime Minister Kamal el-Ganzouri pleaded for peace in his country which has been ravaged by violent protests against military rule for nearly two months.  In a news conference today, the premier, who was appointed by Egypt’s military rulers, complained that he’s been rejected by other civilian political leaders because of his connection with the military. “Some of the senior colleagues in politics whom I completely respect, it has come to the point that when they ask to sit with the prime minister of Egypt, they ask to do it outside of the official building as if they’re meeting the high commissioner of the occupation,” he said. At least 17 people have been killed and hundreds more injured in recent clashes between military police and demonstrators following elections in which the military strategically put itself in a position to hold on to power.