Defense Minister abdel Fattah al-Sisi addressed on Sunday supporters of deposed President Mohamed Morsy saying, "Egypt can accommodate everyone. We are keen on protecting Egyptian blood."
He also called on them to be aware of their patriotic duty and be aware that legitimacy belongs to whomever the people grant it to and can be taken away at any time. He added that protection of the state will always be the responsibility of the military, the police, and the people.
During a meeting on Sunday with several military and police leaders as well as Interior Minister Mohamed Ibrahim and former Mufti Ali Gomaa to mull developments concerning the situation in Egypt, Sisi assured the Egyptian people that they have the free will to choose whomever it wants when it comes to running the country and that the armed forces and the police will always be keen on protecting the people’s will in selecting its leaders.
“I would say to whoever claims that the military grabbed power that the honor of protecting the people’s will is more cherished than ruling Egypt. It is not for the sake of having power or excluding anyone. We are more keen on Islam with its correct understanding, which we have never used to intimidate civilians. We will all be asked by God on every mission we are assigned to protect the country and its citizens,” Sisi said.
Sisi also discussed opportunities lost by the former regime and its followers during the past year to correct the political path and create understanding between the regime, political groups, and the public through several proposals, as they failed to respond to advice that could have gotten the country out of the ongoing crisis.
“We gave chances to everyone to take part in ending the crisis peacefully. We called on followers of the former regime to take part in the reconstruction of the democratic path and engagement within political life, according to the roadmap instead of through confrontation and destroying Egypt,” Sisi said.
Interior Minister Mohamed Ibrahim referred to strong ties and cooperation between the ministries of interior affairs and defense. He also referred to efforts made by the military and police to preserve the security of the people.
A video showing joint security efforts between police and military to secure the local front and confront terrorism in Sinai was displayed during the meeting.
Violent clashes have been taking place across the country since security troops ended on Wednesday a sit-in staged by supporters of deposed President Mohamed Morsy at Rabaa al-Adaweya and al-Nahda squares. Around 578 people were killed and another 4,000 people were injured, according to Health Ministry estimates.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
