PROTESTERS CLASH WITH POLICE OVER FLOUR SUBSIDIES

UNCLAS CAIRO 001177 SENSITIVE SIPDIS NSC FOR PASCUAL E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PHUM SOCI ECON EG SUBJECT: PROTESTERS CLASH WITH POLICE OVER FLOUR SUBSIDIES REF: CAIRO 932 ¶1. (U) Summary: The northern Egyptian coastal town of Burg al-Burullus was the site of a large June 7 impromptu protest against the provincial governor's recent decision to halt the distribution of subsidized flour in favor of subsidized bread distribution. Police sent to disperse the demonstrators used force and the protesters forcibly retaliated, causing injuries on both sides. End summary. ¶2. (U) On June 7, thousands of Egyptian demonstrators clashed with police to protest a decision by government authorities to end distribution of flour rations in the fishing village of Burg al-Burullus in the Kafr Al-Shaykh governate. According to press reports, 10,000 to 15,000 demonstrators blocked a main road for several hours with burning tires in an attempt to persuade the governor to change his decision. In comments to journalists, the area's MP, Hamdin Sabahi, who represents the not-yet-licensed "Karama" (Dignity) Party, said, "most inhabitants in the village are fishermen, and they are used to buying flour, baking it and taking it with them on long trips at sea. This is part of their culture and daily practice. They do not eat baked bread. Rather, they prefer to buy flour." Al-Jazirah reported that the governor hoped that his decision would end the resale of subsidized flour on the black market. However, fishermen apparently perceived it as a lack of concern for their need to spend weeks at a time at sea. ¶3. (U) The protesters reportedly refused to disperse even after police released tear-gas canisters into the crowd, pelting police officials and security vehicles with stones. Some 15 of the demonstrators were reportedly admitted to the hospital after being overcome by tear-gas. One security source told journalists that rubber bullets had been fired at the crowd. 72 people were reportedly detained by police. Our security contacts confirmed that 20 policemen were injured. ¶4. (U) On June 8, Al-Jazirah reported that the governor and MPs of Kafr Al-Shaykh governate had reached a compromise, maintaining the decision of the governor (canceling the ration of subsidized flour granted to each family),but committing to providing ample bread at subsidized prices. According to press reports, many residents are skeptical of the compromise and are concerned that they will not receive enough to eat. ¶5. (SBU) Comment: The Burg al-Burullus protest is notable both for its reportedly large size, and as an indicator that tensions continue to simmer within the economically stretched Egyptian populace over the sensitive issue of bread. SCOBEY