"Attack on al-Alam Cairo bureau unacceptable"

Sun Jul 21, 2013 18:36:51

Iran’s Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Seyyed Mohammad Hosseini has renounced Egyptian security officials’ efforts to hamper the activities of al-Alam news channel in Cairo.

“We Expect the Egyptian officials to end such moves immediately. Egypt is an Islamic country and we are prepared to expand all-out cooperation with the country,” Hosseini told reporters after meeting with Iraq’s Tourism and Antiquities Minister Liwa’a al-Sumaisem.

Hosseini said Iranian officials in a unilateral move have welcomed the arrival of Egyptian media crew in Iran but the Egyptian officials have refused to cooperate.

“It is unacceptable for us if Egyptian authorities prevent Iranian correspondents from covering reports in the country, because Iranians should be informed of the ongoing situation in Egypt,” the minister said, adding, “Covering stories about Egypt throughout the region and the world is to the interest of Egyptian nation.”

On Saturday, Egypt security forces launched an onslaught against al-Alam office in Cairo and detained Ahmed Al-Siyoufi, the director of the office.

Police have also confiscated the equipment of the office.

The attack has outraged prominent figures both at home and abroad.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Seyyed Abbas Araqchi also expressed surprise over the attack, calling it a result of misunderstanding about the nature of the office’s activity.

MRKD/HH

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