Egypt's military chief: Army to confront violence
Following deaths of hundreds, General al-Sisi says army will not allow further violence, urges 'followers of former regime to participate in rebuilding democratic track'
Egypt's military leader vowed Sunday that the army will not allow further violence after the deaths of hundreds in days of political unrest, while still calling for the political inclusion of Islamist supporters of the country's ousted president.
Defense Minister Gen. Abdel-Fatah al-Sisi, who led the July 3 coup that toppled President Mohamed Morsi, again said the army has no intention of seizing power in the Arab world's most populous country.
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Al-Sisi's comments came during his first appearance since a deadly crackdown Wednesday on two encampments of Morsi supporters left hundreds dead and sparked days of violence across the country.
"We will not stand by silently watching the destruction of the country and the people or the torching the nation and terrorizing the citizens," he said in comments quoted on state television and posted on an official military Facebook page.
The general said that the military didn't seek power but instead "have the honor to protect the people's will – which is much dearer (than) ruling Egypt.
Al-Sisi called for Islamists to be included in the country's politics moving forward. A military timetable calls for the nation's constitution to be amended and for presidential and parliamentary elections to be held in 2014.
"We have given many chances ... to end the crisis peacefully and call for the followers of the former regime to participate in rebuilding the democratic track and integrate in the political process and the future map instead of confrontations and destroying the Egyptian state," he said.
Al-Sisi made the comments at a gathering of top military commanders and police chiefs.
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