Egypt's Shafiq Lashes Out at 'Political' Travel Ban

Former premier Ahmed Shafiq denounced on Thursday as "political" a travel ban which may lead to his arrest upon returning to Egypt, in remarks to the Abu Dhabi-based Arabic Skynews channel.

"This is a political decision that has no legal basis," Shafiq said in an interview conducted in Dubai, adding that he would not hesitate to return to Egypt when "it is necessary."

On Wednesday, judicial sources in Cairo said Shafiq had been placed on a watchlist and slapped with a travel ban.

Shafiq, a former air force chief appointed prime minister by president Hosni Mubarak before his overthrow early last year, is under investigation for an allegedly illegal sale of state land to Mubarak's sons.

He traveled to the United Arab Emirates after losing to his Islamist nemesis Mohammed Morsi in June's presidential election. Shafiq's spokesman said at the time that he would return to Egypt and form a party.

Shafiq strongly criticized the new government in Egypt.

"The Freedom and Justice Party (political arm of the Muslim Brotherhood) is mistaken if it thinks it can rule Egypt with a few small parties," he said.

He also confirmed his intention of forming a party called the National Movement for Egyptians.

A source said on Wednesday it was unclear what would happen to Shafiq if he returned to Egypt. In the past, people placed on the watchlist have been detained on arrival.

A number of former regime officials, including Mubarak himself, have been convicted of corruption or killing protesters during the 18-day uprising that unseated the dictator last year.

Mubarak's party leader and senate speaker Safwat al-Sharif was on Wednesday referred to trial along with his two sons for allegedly making 600 million pounds (roughly $100 million) in illicit gains.