Coptic business magnate Najīb Sawirus congratulated elected president Mursī over his win in a free election but criticized his campaign for announcing his victory in advance ahead of the official announcement by the High Presidential Election Commission (HPEC).

“Dr. Mursī is now facing two tough tests, not just for Copts but also for moderate Muslims who want to see their elected president observing moderation,” said Sawirus during a phone call to Dream Channel’s al-Haqīqah show on Sunday (June 24).

The Coptic Orthodox tycoon said his Free Egyptians Party (FEP) will take the opposition side so that there will be guarantees Egypt is not going to turn into “another Iran” in the region but one that is trying to pursue the model of Turkey, where citizens lead prosperous life. [‘Ādil Ismā’īl, al-Akhbār, June 25, p. 17] Read original text in Arabic