Press Trust of India
CAIRO, 1 JULY: Egypt’s powerful army today warned that it will intervene if people’s demands were not met within 48 hours after millions took to the streets demanding the resignation of beleaguered President Mohamed Mursi, as at least 16 people were killed in clashes across the country.
“The armed forces reiterates its call that the demands of the people be met,” a televised statement from the armed forces said, giving political parties a 48-hour period “as a last chance to bear the historical burden that the nation is currently facing.”
The statement gave a 48-hour ultimatum to political parties to “fulfil the people’s demands,” otherwise the armed forces would present a political “roadmap” for the country that would include all political currents.
“The Egyptian Armed Forces have set a deadline, which ended yesterday, for all political powers to reconcile and end the current crisis, but no progress has been made. Consequently, the Egyptian people have taken to the streets,” the statement said.
“The Egyptian Armed Forces will not become involved in politics or administration; it is satisfied with its role as is spelt out in line with democratic norms,” it said, stressing that Egyptian national security was in “great danger”.
It also referred to the armed forces’ “responsibility” to step in if national security was threatened.
Army’s statement was greeted with joy by thousands of protesters, who have been demanding 61-year-old Musri’s resignation. “Come down Sissi, Morsi is not my president,” the protesters chanted, calling on the country’s army chief, Abdel Fattah al-Sissi, to intervene.
Earlier, anti-government protesters also stormed the national headquarters of Muslim Brotherhood here. They also ransacked the six-storey building and set it on fire.
State media quoting the country’s Health and Population Ministry said the nationwide toll from 30 June protests stands at 16, with the total number of injuries estimated at 743 in 17 governorates.
In the capital here, thousands of people massed at the iconic Tahrir Square ~ the epicentre of pro-democracy protests in 2011~ under the banner of Tamarod (Rebellion) movement which is driving the campaign with a petition of signatures seeking Morsi’s ouster and a snap election.
“We give Mohamed Morsi until 5:00 pm (1500 GMT) on Tuesday 2 July to leave power, allowing state institutions to prepare for early presidential elections,” Tamarod said in a statement on its website.
The statement warned that Mr Mursi would face a campaign of civil disobedience if he did not leave power by tomorrow.