"The mission of Egypt's armed forces at this phase is to schedule and monitor honest elections and handle Egypt's transition to legitimate civil authority," said Chairman of the Supreme Council for the Armed Forces Hussein Tantawi. Tantawi met with army officers and leaders, and faculties and students at military institutes earlier today. The armed forces put specific, achievable goals on a timeline, Tantawi said. "The military forces have a mission for Egypt," he added. Egyptian people support the armed forces, but there are foreign sources carrying out projects designed to disrupt Egypt's stability, Tantawi said. Unfortunately, some Egyptians are participating in these projects because they do not understand Egypt's genuine needs, he added. The military refuses to launch a television channel, claiming that “Egyptian channels are loyal, but some have unaccepted trends,” Tantawi said. Egyptians support the military forces and the ruling military council will accomplish its mission, he added. Military forces did not interfere in clashes in the Abassiya neighborhood, a Cairo suburb, Tantawi said. More than 300 people were injured when a peaceful march from Tahrir Square to the Ministry of Defense in Abassiya was attacked. The march intended to put pressure on Egypt's ruling military council and demand an end to military trials of civilians. The armed forces did not and will not shoot any Egyptian citizens because, “they are one family,” Tantawi assured, adding that some groups aim to harm Egypt's stability. "The military forces supported and protected the January 25 revolution. The January 25 Revolution was a people's revolution and military forces is part of it," said Tantawi. "The military forces is capable of protecting Egyptians at all times," he added. Tantawi, who graduated in 1956, was a platoon leader in the Palestinian forces, a soldier in the Attrition War and led forces during the Gulf War. "The military forces have never faced such criticism," said Tantawi. The military has power, patience, faith and morale and will accomplish its mission, he said, adding that all Egyptians must support the military as it overcomes the current difficulties. The military faces its challenges with grace, and asks only for the full support of Egypt's citizens. Tantawi assured the public that the military's combat readiness is unaffected. Egypt recognizes the new state of South Sudan, following the separation agreement between the two countries, and says that Egypt's relationships with Nile basin countries are sound. "Egypt faces the problem of weapons smuggling into Egypt," Tantawi said, adding that such smuggling “is not a new issue.” The return of the civil police force is great achievement, Tantawi said, and the military forces will always support the police. Egypt must first solve the most pressing economic crises, followed by more economic development according to a timeline, he added. Tantawi thanked the men and women of the armed forces for their courage in defending Egypt's honor during these difficult times.
