Egypt slams OIC chief for mocking tone about President Sisi

Egyptian Foreign Ministry condemned Saturday the chief of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for his mocking tone about Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, saying it is "a serious encroachment."

"OIC secretary-general's remarks constitute a serious encroachment and fundamentally affect his ability to carry out his duties," Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said in a statement.

He also said Egypt may reconsider its position towards the organization's secretariat and chief.

In a recent conference in Tunisia, OIC Secretary-General Iyad Madani, a former Saudi Arabian minister, mistakenly addressed Tunisian President Beji Caid "Essebsi" as "Al-Sisi."

"Sorry, this is a big mistake, for I am sure that you have more than water in your fridge, Mr. President," Madani then said to Essebsi.

Madani referred to a statement of Sisi at a national youth conference on Tuesday, where the president said his fridge had nothing but water for 10 years to give the attendees an example of patience, dignity and self-esteem at times of distress.

"I am one of you. I swear by God Almighty that I spent 10 years with only water in my fridge, yet no one heard me complain," said Sisi at the conference.

On Friday, Madani apologized for his remarks, saying they were only made "in jest" and he meant no offense to the Egyptian president.

"I have utmost respect and appreciation for President Sisi as a seasoned Arab leader who leads a great country that enjoys a big space in the heart of every Arab and Muslim and a great people who have history and civilization," Madani said in a statement. Endit