Egypt’s Army Will Not Allow Violence, Says Armed Forces Spokesperson

Spokesperson of the Armed Forces Ahmed Mohamed Ali stated Saturday that national dialogue is the best way to reach consensus for the good of the country, asserting that the army will not allow violence to continue.

“The Armed Forces are always on the side of the people. We support the call for national dialogue, to reach a consensus that unites all segments of the nation,” read the statement published on the spokesperson Ali’s Facebook page.

Wednesday witnessed fierce clashes between opponents and supporters of President Mohamed Morsi after a sit-in of anti-Morsi protesters was attacked by Morsi supporters. At least six people were killed during subsequent clashes.

Ali added that polarisation would only lead the country down “a dark tunnel that will have disastrous results.” “The Armed Forces have always ensured the security and safety of the nation and its people, and will continue to do so,” added Ali.

In response to the Armed Forces statement, Abdel-Khalq Al-Sherif, a senior official in the Muslim Brotherhood, told Reuters that the statement was balanced and is a “step in helping to end a political crisis that did not take sides.”

Al-Sharif added that it was right for the military “not [to engage] in political manoeuvres.”

On Friday, Al-Ahram daily reported that a decree would soon be issued by the president authorising the army to arrest civilians.

Ahram