In the statement No. 74, Egypt's ruling military council verified people's legal right to peacefully demonstrate and to freely express their opinion. It added the political powers, which called for the demonstrations of September 9, are responsible for securing and protecting the demonstrations. The statement warned of the inciting calls to attack units of the Armed Forces and the Ministry of Interior, in an attempt to undermine the national spirit of national powers, which called for the demonstrations in the first place. The military council considered any violation against the Armed forces or Egypt's vital institutions as a threat to Egypt's national security and will be dealt with strictly. It demanded Egyptians not to respond to the calls adopted by the elements working to harm Egypt's image or undermine the objectives of Egypt's revolution. An official in Al-Wafd Party, Alaa Abdel Moniem, responded to Egypt's military council's statement, saying it is a precautionary measure against any potential violent incidents, which could destabilize Egypt's national security. He stressed the ruling council has the right to use forces against anyone who threatens Egypt's stability and security. He also denied calls adopted by unknown elements for attacking Egypt's institutions. He pointed out the political and national powers participating in the demonstrations have no intention to use violence against Egyptians. On the other hand, the Spokesman of the Free Front for Peaceful Change, Essam al-Sherif, said he refuses what he described as threats issued by the military council in their recent statement. He added there is coordination among the political powers to protect vital institutions and units of the Armed Forces during the September 9 demonstration by forming human shields to protect them. Al-Sherif demanded the Police and Armed Forces to withdraw from Tahrir Square to avoid any potential clashes and to keep the demonstrations peaceful. While human rights activist, Nagad al-Borai, described the statement as a warning statement, he clarified the leaders of the armed forces should use force against those who work to destabilize Egypt or threaten national security. He added the army could respond strictly if the peaceful demonstrations turned violent. He called upon the youth to protect Egypt's vital institutions and to protect Egypt's national security during the demonstrations. Arabic here Arabic here Arabic here
