ANGER IN EGYPT OVER DANISH CARTOONS EXPRESSED

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 CAIRO 000713 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ETRD PREL PGOV ECON ASEC EG DE SUBJECT: ANGER IN EGYPT OVER DANISH CARTOONS EXPRESSED PEACEFULLY THROUGH BOYCOTTS AND GOVERNMENT-SANCTIONED PROTESTS SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED. PLEASE PROTECT ACCORDINGLY. -------------- Summary -------------- ¶1. (SBU) Egyptians are peacefully expressing their outrage over Danish cartoons of the Prophet Mohamed, which is finding expression through various official and private channels. Businesses and consumers are boycotting Danish products, and the government is publicly condemning the cartoons in a measured way, while making stronger private protests. President Mubarak made a balanced statement February 3 that noted the importance of freedom of speech, but emphasized that attacking religious beliefs was unacceptable and would spur terrorism and violence in the region. The GOE has increased security around certain embassies to prevent a repeat of the destruction witnessed in Syria and Lebanon. Meanwhile, indignation continues to spread among the rank-and-file. Aware of the importance and volatility of this issue, the GOE is expressing displeasure at the cartoons in a way that will not further inflame emotions. End summary. -------------- Boycott of Danish Products -------------- ¶2. (SBU) Two of Egypt's largest private grocery chains -- Metro and Seoudi -- were among the first businesses to announce a boycott Danish of products last week. The companies ordered all their stores to remove Danish items in stock, mainly dairy products, and place signs up explaining that the absence of goods was due to a boycott. Many small, local stores run by individual proprietors followed suit. Some shops bear signs noting that Danes are not welcome; a few embassy personnel have been asked if they were Danish when entering shops and taxis. ¶3. (SBU) The Egyptian Federation of Chambers of Commerce, which represents mainly local industries, quickly backed the boycott, even to the extent of urging companies to cease business activities with shipping companies that transport Danish goods. It also urged its members to convey to its foreign trading partners the serious consequences of "racist" campaigns. Meanwhile, capitalizing on the situation, local companies supplying goods that compete with Danish products have reportedly been offering discounts up to 10% on their products, presumably in an attempt to develop new, loyal customers. The Muslim Brotherhood made a statement that it supported the boycott of Danish and Norwegian products. -------------- Government Reaction -------------- ¶4. (SBU) The GOE has not taken a position for or against the boycott, but the members of the People's Assembly expressed their displeasure with Denmark by refusing to act on an offer of a 60 million euro loan from the Danish government. As the controversy picked up steam last week, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs published on its web page a summary of steps it had taken since October in response to the original publication of the cartoons. It noted that in early October, Foreign Minister Aboul Gheit had sent a letter of protest to the Danish Prime Minister and sought meetings with his Danish counterpart to address the issue. Aboul Gheit convoked the Danish Ambassador in late October and warned that the lack of an official apology from the Danish Government would fuel resentment. When the controversy broke last week, Aboul Gheit sent letters to the Ambassadors of all 25 EU countries calling on them to urge restraint in further publication of the offending cartoons. Similar messages were conveyed to the Norwegians, as Norway was the first country after Denmark where the offending cartoons were published. The Ministry also highlighted its engagement with the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Conference, where the GOE had put the cartoons on the agenda. ¶5. (SBU) President Mubarak's reaction came relatively late in the controversy. In a measured statement to the Middle East News Agency late on February 3, Mubarak stated that "Freedom of opinion, speech and journalism -- which we guarantee and respect -- should not be used as a pretext to desecrate sacrosanct beliefs and religions." The President warned that republishing the cartoons could be dangerous and have severe repercussions, further intensifying negative feelings in the Islamic world toward the west, and giving more ammunition to extremists and terrorists. To prevent a repeat of the destruction witnessed in Syria and Lebanon, the GOE has increased security around European embassies in Cairo, particularly the Danish and Norwegian chanceries on the island of Zamalek. -------------- Public Reaction -------------- ¶6. (SBU) As of February 6, public demonstrations have been peaceful and limited to two events, both carefully managed by Egyptian authorities. Public demonstrations were permitted following Friday mid-day prayers on February 3. On February 6, government-sanctioned demonstrations took place in Cairo and other major cities, such as Alexandria. The Cairo protest at the Al Azhar mosque/university complex attracted some 10,000 demonstrators, according to media reports. Egypt's two most prominent Muslim leaders, the Sheikh of Al Azhar and the Mufti, participated in the Al Azhar demonstration, as did the President of Al Azhar University and the Minister of Religious Endowment. The presence of the Sheikh was seen as important, as he had been severely criticized for a perceived soft public response to the cartoon controversy when a newspaper quoted him as saying that the Prophet should not be criticized because he was not around to defend himself. The Sheikh claimed he was misquoted. ¶7. (SBU) While sentiment is strongly aligned against the Danish Government and other governments where the cartoons have been published, there have been some isolated voices questioning the response. An editorial in Masry Al Yom criticized Muslims for focusing their attention on external battles rather than waging the internal ones, such as living up to the teachings of the Prophet through daily acts and fighting corruption and injustices in local society. Also, Amr Adib, the moderator of Al Qahera Al Yom, one the most popular TV news shows in Egypt, called on Muslims everywhere to show restraint, arguing that violence risked reinforcing negative stereotypes of Muslims. Meanwhile, the pro-government newspaper Al Akhbar is under fire after Al Masry Al Yom reported that Al Akhbar had published the cartoons in its February 2 morning edition, which was quickly withdrawn from circulation. Some Egyptians have criticized TV for dwelling on the cartoon controversy at the expense of coverage of the ferry disaster. -------------- Comment -------------- ¶8. (SBU) While anger and resentment over the publications of the cartoons has not manifested itself in violent demonstrations, the sentiments are nonetheless strong and widespread. Emotions are kept raw as emails of the offending cartoons circulate, and friends pass along cell phone text messages urging support of the boycott and a day of fasting and prayer to invoke Allah's revenge on the offenders. The GOE appears to be steering a middle course aimed at expressing its dissatisfaction with the publications of the cartoons while seeking to channel public emotions on the issue. End comment. RICCIARDONE