Egyptian military were deployed on the streets of Cairo and other cities to prevent violence after the removal of President Mohamed Morsi from palace.
In a political move called by the Muslim Brotherhood’s a “military coup”, tanks were deployed on the capital’s streets, and the soldiers made their presence felt on the streets of other cities, after the 48-hour ultimatum given by the army failed to lead to the resignation of president Morsi.
Army instituted a state of emergency and blocked the movement of Morsi and other Muslim Brotherhood officials, forbidding them to leave the country, according to an Arabic-language newspaper (Al-Ahram), quoted by UPI.com. Soldiers occupied the state television building, waiting for a statement from the military, according to the Israeli TV stations Channel 10 and Channel One.
Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi launched a final bid to retain power, making a call for an interim coalition government, just before the expiration of the ultimatum given by the army.
“The president has taken a clear and safe roadmap, based on the constitutional legitimacy that Egyptians built together,” the presidency said in a statement sent by e-mail this afternoon.
Islamist leader’s comments indicate that he still rejected protesters’ calls to step down after last night he said on television that he would defend his legitimacy with his own life.
Egypt’s military leaders had met previously in an emergency session given that the deadline for end the political crisis was approaching expiry, which would have meant the removal from power of President Mohamed Morsi.
The ultimatum of July 1 was giving Morsi 48 hours to end the turmoil erupted in Egypt, otherwise the military would impose its solution. The deadline was set to expire today at 5 PM, Cairo time (3 PM GMT) said the state television, hours after Islamist leader rejected his opponents’ calls to resign.
Morsi’s defiance triggered a quick response from the military. After the rejection of the ultimatum by Morsi, the army said it will dissolve the constitution and parliament.
Clashes between supporters and critics of Morsi left behind 18 dead and 619 injured in the past 24 hours, said Ahmed El-Ansari, an official with the national ambulance service.
Reply