Islamists call for dialogue after coup in Egypt, without demanding return of toppled president

CAIRO – A Muslim Brotherhood-led alliance in Egypt says it is ready for a national dialogue to end the political standoff in the country, in an announcement that does not demand the return of the country's toppled president to power.

The coalition called Saturday for the release of detainees arrested after the ouster of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi on July 3. They also asked for the end of security crackdown on Brotherhood members and its allies, as well as the reopening of television channels supporting them.

The return of Morsi to office is a long-held demand by the group and the motive behind the near-daily protests it has launched.

Mohammed Bishr, a leading member of the Brotherhood, told reporters the initiative is on the table for two weeks.