MB official denies advising Egyptian PM

The official spokesman of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt has denied reports of the group's interference in governmental affairs. Egyptian media reported that the Islamic movement was providing regular guidance to Prime Minister Hisham Kandil, and had instructed him to develop closer links with Palestinian faction Hamas, instead of West Bank-governing Fatah. However, Mahmoud Ghazlan has described the stories as "totally incorrect." In a press statement, the spokesman said that MB's Guidance Office does not interfere in the work of the Egyptian government, cabinet and prime minister, adding that the group is also in favour of reconciliation between all Palestinian factions. Ghazlan explained that some media outlets were trying to portray that Muslim Brotherhood is controlling the country and issued instructions to the government. "This is a desperate attempt to distort the image of the Brotherhood," he said. The Islamist official urged media organisations to be "honest and objective" in their coverage.