Members of the Coordinating Committee for the Egyptian Movement for Change, better known as Kefaya, denounced statements by General Coordinator Abdel Halim Qandil in which he accused opposition parties of receiving foreign funds, especially from Freedom House–a US non-governmental organization that promotes democracy and human rights. Other members of the committee said Qandil’s statements represented his personal opinion, but didn’t serve to unite the Egyptian opposition.
The committee convened on Monday to consider Qandil’s statements and announce a position that represents the different political factions in Kefaya. However, it was decided to postpone examination of the matter until their regular meeting next week.
Meanwhile George Ishaq, Kefaya’s former coordinator, described a feeling of dissatisfaction among members of the movement concerning Qandil’s statements. He said that the opposition needs to stand united, and pointed out that Qandil denied ever having made such statements.
Karima el-Hefnawi, a member of Kefaya’s Coordinating Committee, said Qandil’s statements didn’t represent the decisions of the committee, which normally take the form of official statements. El-Hefnawi added, "I know quite well that parties don’t receive foreign funding, and I know that foreign funding is illegal.
El-Hefnawi, did, however, say that he was aware of the fact that some founding members of the 6 April Movement cooperate with American organizations.
Translated from the Arabic Edition.
