'14 Egyptians detained in UAE are treated well'

Abu Dhabi: The 14 Egyptian who were detained in the UAE for belonging to the Muslim Brotherhood cell are receiving excellent treatment, said Tamer Mansour, Egyptian Ambassador to the UAE.

In a video interview uploaded on the 24 news website (www.24.ae), Mansour said that the detainees are being treated well and receive proper medical and psychological care.

"The detainees did not complain to me about any mistreatment. Their families even had some issues with their residency visas, which are currently being resolved by Emirati officials. Powers of attorney are being issued to the lawyers of the detainees,” said Mansour.

Speaking on Emirati-Egyptian relations, Mansour said that bilateral relations are currently in a temporary bad phase that will undoubtedly pass soon. “I do not think that relations between the Emirati and Egyptian people will be affected by any temporary tension between the two countries,” said Mansour.

“The Charge d’Affaires of the Emirati Embassy in Cairo was recently summoned to provide some clarifications regarding the case of the Egyptian detainees, progress of investigations and procedures for appointing their lawyers. The list of charges against the detainees has not been issued yet,” said Mansour.

The detainees were arrested in December 2012 on charges of belonging to the Muslim Brotherhood and endangering the security of the UAE.

Grand imam of Egypt’s Al Azhar Dr Shaikh Ahmad Mohammad Al Tayyeb was named Cultural Personality of the Year on Tuesday by the Shaikh Zayed Book Awards. Regarding the decision, Mansour said: “The decision to honour Tayyeb brought joy to the Egyptian people, and all Arab and Islamic countries. He is an icon for the most prominent Islamic institution in the Islamic world.”

“The award is of great value. It is named after the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, one of the icons of the Arab and Islamic world. It is an honour to the entire Islamic world that Tayyeb was chosen as a recipient. He adopts the moderate path and encourages a culture of tolerance.”

The ambassador added that the selection of Al Tayeb reflected the deep-rooted political, economic and cultural ties between Egypt and the UAE.