Egypt's ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) on Thursday said it would vigorously counter attempts to ignite sectarian strife between Muslims and Christians in the country. Clashes between Muslims and Christians in the Cairo neighborhood of Imbaba killed 15 and wounded 240 people, prompting government officials to review the sectarian violence and security forces' response. At a press conference, SCAF member Ismail Etman warned of potential dangers facing Egypt as a result of the sectarian disputes. He described national unity as a "red line” and added that any attempts to cross that line would be confronted with "an iron fist.” Etman stressed that SCAF will remain vigilant to schemes - both local and foreign - to destabilize the country and urged citizens not to buy into rumors. He also highlighted the dangers represented by attempts to provoke the people against the army and noted that the ruling military council would demonstrate self-restraint. Etman warned of the negative effect of protests and thugs on the country's economy. He said that those factors would affect the flow of tourists and foreign investments. He called for cooperation between the people, the military, and the police in maintaining security and said that no authority can handle this issue independently. In his statement, Etman directed whom he called Egypt's “silent majority” to actively take part in efforts to build a democratic state. Translated from the Arabic Edition
