Abu Ismael slaps down anti-Christian claims

Hazem Salah Abu Ismail renounced claims Tuesday that he is refusing to work with Christians in government.  The Muslim Brotherhood's candidate for the Egyptian presidency said in a statement that he would have no objection to working with a Copt, provided there is an "efficient and trustworthy" candidate. Abu Ismail, a popular contender in the upcoming vote, added that he would apply Islamic law that way it "should be".  He promised that the needs of the Coptic community, a major Christian sect in Egypt, would be fully met, as Islamic law promotes "love, kindness, understanding, and the dedication of a leader to his nation". Abu Ismail went on to deny accusations that he will force Copts to pay a religious tax once he is elected.  He assured the Coptic community that these were baseless rumors, spread by politically motivated parties. The Islamic candidate expressed his feelings of pride in belonging to the Islamic political trend, despite harsh objections to his views from critics. The election for Egypt's president is expected to take place in October or November of this year, following the ouster of longtime ruler, Hosni Mubarak.