Minister of Defence Abdul Fattah Al-Sisi warned of the imminent collapse of the state on Tuesday. Al-Sisi said: “The continuation of the struggle between political forces and their disagreement over the administration of the country may lead to the collapse of the state and threaten the future of upcoming generations." The minister made the comments at a meeting of military students, attended by top military leaders, after President Mohamed Morsy's call for dialogue was rejected by opposition. Al-Sisi said attempts to destabilise the nation's institutions are a threat to the nation's security but the “army will remain the consistent solid backbone," of the nation. He went on to describe the army as an army for all Egyptians, but it faces a challenge when it comes to balancing the protection of vital state institutions and the people's right to protest. He urged protesters to remain peaceful. Amid heightened political tensions in December, the army made a call for a national dialogue only to postpone the call indefinitely.
