Egyptian army issues new statement, denies warning of coup

Claiming that its 48 hours ultimatum for the political powers to reconcile and end the current crisis was not a "coup warning", Egypt's armed forces in its new statement today said its motive was to find a speedy solution to the situation.

The statement which was posted by the army on its Facebook page said, "the creed of the Egyptian Armed Forces does not allow it to perform a coup d'etat and was issued to force politicians to find a speedy solution for the deadlock."

"The Armed Forces is neither the ruler nor part of the political scene and will not abandon its designated role," it said.

In its earlier statement, the army granted the political forces an ultimatum of 48 hours to find a solution otherwise it would interfere to impose a roadmap.

Salafi Nour Party assistant Secretary-General Shaaban Abdel Alim said that the first statement of the armed forces released yesterday is "ambiguous," warning against the repercussions of a return to military rule in Egypt.

"Which demands will the army meet, those of Tahrir Square or of Rabea al-Adaweya Square?" Alim said, referring to the main protest sites of the opposition and supporters of President Mohamed Morsi.

The Nour official said that while the opposition to the regime may seem larger in number, there are supporters who did not take part in demonstrations so as to avoid sedition.
"The statement is stern," Alim said, referring to the army's announcement.

"We fear the return of military rule. The deadline is not sufficient," he said. Meanwhile, welcoming the earlier army statement, the founder of the Tamarrod campaign Mahmoud Badr said, "We stress our salutation for the great Egyptian army and for its statement that truly proved to be the haven of the Egyptian patriotism."

"We also salute the commitment of the Egyptian army for the democratic system as it stressed, in the introduction of its statement, its rejection to be part of the rule and politics.

Badr also called on the Egyptian people to continue their protests in the squares including Al-Tahrir Square, Al-Ittihadiyah and all major squares in all the governorates.