Opposition won’t support military coup
Egypt’s main opposition coalition said on Tuesday it would not support a “military coup” and trusted that an army statement giving political leaders 48 hours to resolve the current crisis did not mean it would assume a political role.
“We do not support a military coup,” the National Salvation Front (NSF) said in a statement.
“The NSF has been committed, since its formation on 22 November, 2012, to build a civil, modern and democratic state that allows the participation of all political trends, including political Islam. We trust the army’s declaration, reflected in their statement (Monday), that they don’t want to get involved in politics, or play a political role,” it said.
AFP
Court orders reinstatement of attorney-general
An Egyptian court says besieged President Mohammad Mursi must reinstate an attorney-general fired last year in another blow to his authority.
Tuesday’s ruling by the Court of Cassation further chips at Mursi’s administration. His dismissal of Mahmoud Abdul Meguid, who was appointed by ousted leader Hosni Mubarak, was seen by the judiciary as an encroachment on its independence.
The opposition has long demanded the removal of Abdul Meguid’s successor, Talaat Abdullah.
Reuters
Obama calls embattled Mursi
US President Barack Obama is encouraging embattled Egyptian President Mohammad Mursi to respond to concerns being voiced by throngs of protesters seeking his removal from office.
The White House confirmed in a statement on Tuesday that Obama called Mursi on Monday while travelling in Africa.
The statement said Obama told Mursi that the United States is committed to the democratic process in Egypt and does not support any single party or group. The statement also said Obama underscored to Mursi that the current crisis can only be resolved through a political process.
Obama also told Mursi he’s particularly concerned about violence in the demonstrations, especially sexual assaults against women.
AFP
Tehran says Egyptian army must respect vote of people
Iran on Tuesday called on the Egyptian military to support national reconciliation and respect the “vote of the people” after it warned it was ready to intervene in Egypt’s political crisis.
“Mohammad Mursi is the incumbent president based on the people’s vote,” Iranian deputy foreign minister Hussain Amir Abdullahian told the official IRNA news agency in Tehran. “It is expected of the armed forces of Egypt that they play their role in supporting national reconciliation and respect the vote of the people.”
Amir Abdullahian warned in his comments to IRNA against division within Egypt.
“Dividing the Egyptian nation yields no gain,” he said, adding that respecting people’s vote was “of utmost importance for Egypt’s stability.”
