CAIRO – Egypt’s ruling generals repeated their pledge Thursday to transfer power to a civilian government within two months, a day after deadly clashes stoked by political tensions brought fresh accusations that the military was trying to create chaos so it could cling to power.
At the same time, the ruling military council warned anti-government protesters that deadly force would be used against them if they approached the Ministry of Defense.
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At least 11 people were killed in clashes that broke out Wednesday when apparent supporters of the military rulers attacked a mostly Islamist crowd staging a sit-in outside the Ministry of Defense in Cairo to call for an end to the generals’ rule. The protesters were predominantly supporters of an ultraconservative presidential candidate who was barred from running in the May 23-24 presidential election.
Army troops were accused of standing idly by near the clashes and not intervening until after the deaths. But a senior member of the ruling military council tried to counter accusations from some rival politicians that the military might use the violence as a pretext to ignore its own deadline to relinquish control of the country. Some suspect the military wants to create turmoil so it can justify holding onto power by claiming it is needed to maintain law and order.
“We say it frankly and clearly. The armed forces and their supreme council are committed to the handover of power on June 30,” Maj. Gen. Mohammed al-Assar told a news conference. “We don’t desire power. The Supreme Council (of the Armed Forces) is not a substitute for legitimacy in Egypt.”
“Have mercy on the Supreme Council,” he pleaded. “Our hands are clean of Egyptian blood.”
Al-Assar and two other members of the military council spoke to reporters in Cairo. Above them hung a banner reading: “The armed forces honor the promises they make.”
Maj. Gen. Mukhtar al-Mullah sternly warned protesters that if they try to approach the Defense Ministry, deadly force would be used against them. Political and pro-democracy groups are organizing a mass protest Friday near the Defense Ministry to demand that the military respect the July 1 deadline for stepping down.
“Self-defense is applicable against anyone who approaches a military facility. Whoever does that must endure the consequences,” he warned.
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