Muslim Brotherhood's influence disputed

CAIRO, Sept. 7 (UPI) -- The head of Egypt's Freedom and Justice party said Friday the Muslim Brotherhood, which founded the party, does not influence the president's policy-making.

Protesters in August called for the Brotherhood to be disbanded, suggesting the Islamic group controlled President Mohamed Morsi's decisions, as well as other party members', the Middle East News Agency reported.

Essam al-Erian, head of the FJP, said in an interview with the Saudi-based al-Arabiya news channel that the Muslim Brotherhood and the FJP are separate bodies, adding the group does coordinate with the party on key decisions, such as Morsi's nomination for president.