UNITED NATIONS — In his first speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, President Mohamed Morsy said that he represents the legitimacy created by the Egyptian revolution.
“The revolution was not the product of the moment, nor was it wind blowing in spring or autumn,” he said. “It was the result of a long struggle by national movements that sought pride and dignity, and an alarm for those who pursue their own interests and not the interests of the people.”
“I am the first Egyptian president elected by the people’s free will in the wake of a great, peaceful revolution,” he added. “With the help of God, the people achieved what they wanted.”
“We took effective steps in our pursuit of the renaissance that seeks to meet the aspirations of the people of Egypt,” he said.
“The Egyptian modern civil state is based on the rule of law, respect for human rights, democracy, dignity and social justice,” he concluded.
Morsy told the UN General Assembly earlier on Wednesday that Egypt opposes foreign military intervention to stop the civil war in Syria and prefers an inclusive, negotiated settlement.
"Egypt is committed to pursue the sincere efforts it has been exerting to put an end to the catastrophe in Syria, within an Arab, regional and international framework," Morsy said. "One that preserves the unity of this brotherly state, involves all factions of the Syrian people without racial, religious or sectarian discrimination and spares Syria the dangers of foreign military intervention that we oppose."
Morsy said post-revolution Egypt is one of the nations leading the defense of justice, truth, freedom, and dignity. He said the vision Egyptians have for Egypt also represents their frame of action for the world.
On the Palestinian question, he said that the international community remains unable to solve the injustices facing the Palestinian people.
Dozens of Egyptian Copts protested in front of the UN before Morsy began his speech, Al-Masry Al-Youm reported.
Another group of Egyptians organized a rally in support of Morsy in response.
Coptic demonstrators raised the Egyptian flag and banners with slogans including, “We want equal rights for women,” “No to an Egyptian government that supports discrimination,” and “We want a constitution for all Egyptians.”
Protesters who stood in front of the United Nations building amid a security cordon chanted, “Down, Down with the rule of the [Muslim Brotherhood supreme] guide,” “We want it [the state] to be civilian not Islamist,” “Religion is for God, and home is for all,” and “Muslim and Christian … one hand.”
The spokesperson for the protest, Nazieh Hanna, an Egyptian doctor and 20-year resident of the United States, said that their goal is to send a message to President Morsy about their concerns regarding what is happening in Egypt, and their fears that the new constitution, currently being drafted, would not guarantee the rights of Copts, women and minorities.
“We do not want to topple Morsy. We do not want to cut US aid from Egypt, but we want a president that we can be proud of, a president for all Egyptians who protects the rights of minorities.”
He demanded that the president reject defamation of Christianity the same way he rejects defamation of Islam.
In his speech, Morsy stressed his rejection of any insult to the Prophet Mohamed. “We do not accept that anyone abuse him in word or deed,” he said.
He also said that immigrant Muslims are subject to discrimination and violation of their fundamental rights. “Attempts to discredit Muslim sanctity are unacceptable,” he added.
“Islamophobia has become a phenomenon that we must face together."
