Egypt's interim leader vows to protect nation
In pre-recorded message, Adli Mansour says Egyptian government committed to security, stability, warns some try to drive country into 'chaos'
In his first address to the nation, Egypt's interim president, Adli Mansour, said on Thursday some people were trying to drive Egypt into "chaos" and promised to restore stability and security to the country.
In a pre-recorded message aired Thursday on state television, Mansour said Egypt is going through a decisive period in its history, as some want to drag the country into the "unknown."
Related stories:
- New Egypt Cabinet led by liberals
- US suggests Egyptian military averted civil war
- Gaza man names child after Egyptian army chief
He noted, "They want this period to be an introduction to violence and we want it to establish for the concept of protecting lives and reaffirming human rights."
Mansour said his government is committed to realizing security and stability.
"We are going through a critical stage and some want us to move towards chaos and we want to move towards stability. Some want a bloody path," Mansour said in a televised speech, his first since he was sworn in on July 4.
"We will fight a battle for security until the end," he added.
Mansour, a top judge appointed as leader after the military's overthrow of elected president Mohamed Morsi on July 3, again offered an olive branch to Morsi's Islamist backers.
But he also pledged "transitional justice," amid calls for the prosecution of Morsi and a crackdown on his Muslim Brotherhood movement.
"The framework of justice and reconciliation extends to all," he said.
The Muslim Brotherhood has refused any dealings with Mansour and has said it will keep up its protests until Morsi is reinstated.
Mansour's speech Thursday was made on the eve of planned mass protests by supporters and opponents of Morsi.
- Receive Ynetnews updates
directly to your desktop
