Egypt’s military ruler stressed Thursday that the armed forces “are not trying to achieve personal interests, are not biased toward any party, and do not back any of the presidential candidates.”
Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi said during an air force training session that the military only seeks to achieve compatibility among national forces because it has confidence in the people’s ability to determine their future and build a free, democratic state.
The armed forces “prioritize the interests of the nation above all else, as the current circumstances in Egypt impose [the necessity] of the nation’s unity and stability on everyone.”
Tantawi listened to opinions and inquiries from a number of military and air defense leaders about the internal situation and its repercussions on the security and stability of the country.
Tantawi praised “the role of the armed forces in securing the internal front, protecting Egypt’s borders and bearing attempts to discredit and offend them in order to affect their determination.”
Many believe that former Vice President Omar Suleiman is the military council’s candidate in the presidential election and worry his candidacy is an attempt to re-create the regime of former President Hosni Mubarak.
Translated from Al-Masry Al-Youm
