Egyptian tells of hopes for strife-torn country

Ali Ghazal said he welcomed the military takeover in Egypt and hoped it would put an end to the bloodshed.

But he stressed the army should only take control for a short time until order was restored and then there should be a quick return to democracy.

The 62-year-old, who runs Ali Pippins greengrocers in Sandford Avenue, Church Stretton, spoke out after the Egyptian military, headed by General Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, brought an end to

Mohamed Morsi's presidency, a little over a year after his inauguration as the first democratically-elected leader following a revolution in January 2011 which overthrew President Hosni Mubarak.

Mr Ghazal, a Muslim, hails from Cairo. His mother, sisters, brother, nephews and nieces still live in the city, close to Tahrir Square, the scene of the biggest demonstrations.

He met his ex-wife Chris Bland, who is Church Stretton born and bred, in Cairo in 1977 when she was on holiday and he moved to Britain four years later to work in London. In 1997 he moved to Church Stretton to set up his own business.

The couple have since divorced but Mr Ghazal said they were still very good friends.

Mr Ghazal said: "I believe the Egyptian people should and will stick together for democracy and not allow a return to an old regime like that of Mubarak.

"I understand why Egyptians protested against Morsi because it was just one party controlling the country, which was like going back to square one and there would be corruption again.

There needs to be joint government, a coalition of groups.

"I am a Muslim but religion is not my driving force, people are. I am concerned about people more than anything and it makes no difference to me what colour or religion they are. We are all Egyptians."

Mr Ghazal said his family in Cairo was safe and he also believed tourists were not in danger either.

He said: "I speak to my family every day.

"They have been on the streets to join the demonstrations but they are content with what has happened so far and hope it will bring about a government soon."

Mr Ghazal plans to move back to London to return to the men's outfitting business.

He said: "It is regrettable because I have made so many good friends in Church Stretton.

"The people are lovely and I shall miss them."