Egypt's opposition criticizes president's speech

Egypt's main opposition coalition today rejected the Islamist president's offer for dialogue on reconciliation and said it insists on holding early elections, ratcheting up pressure on Mohammed Morsi just days ahead of planned mass protests seeking his ouster.
A statement by the National Salvation Front read by reform leader Mohamed ElBaradei said Morsi's 2 ½-hour speech late yesterday reflected a "clear inability to acknowledge the difficult conditions in Egypt because of his failure in running the country since he took office a year ago."
In the speech, Morsi told his opponents to use elections not protests to try to change the government and counseled the military, which has warned it would intervene if violence breaks out, to focus on improving its capabilities and defending the nation.

He defended his performance in his first year in office, admitting to making mistakes but also claiming achievements. At one point he apologized for fuel shortages which have partially paralyzed the nation, increasing frustration and anger at his government.
But the president offered no compromises in the confrontation with his opponents. Those organizing the protests for Sunday -- the anniversary of Morsi's inauguration -- say he must go because he has mismanaged the country, given a monopoly on decision-making to the Muslim Brotherhood and his Islamist allies, and encroached on the judiciary.
"The president ... Did not take responsibility for the polarization he has caused among the sons of one nation since taking office," ElBaradei said.

The Nobel Peace Laureate and a former head of the UN nuclear watchdog added: "nothing will change our determination to go out on June 30 everywhere in Egypt. We are confident that the Egyptian masses will go out in their millions in peaceful protests that fill the streets and squares of Egypt on Sunday June 30.