Egyptian military chief warns of ‘collapse of the state’January 29, 2013 - 13:48 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The head of the Egyptian military warned political conflict could lead to the collapse of the state and said protecting the Suez Canal was one of the main objectives of the army deployment to nearby cities shaken by violence, Reuters reported. Protesters defied a curfew in towns along the Suez Canal overnight, attacking police stations after President Mohamed Mursi imposed emergency rule to end days of clashes that have killed at least 52 people. The remarks of General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who is also defense minister, were published on the official Facebook page of the army spokesman. He said the economic, political and social challenges facing Egypt represented "a real threat to the security of Egypt and the cohesiveness of the Egyptian state" and the army would remain "the solid and cohesive block" on which the state rests. The army, he said, belonged to all Egyptians regardless of their sect or political affiliation. "The continuation of the struggle of the different political forces ... over the management of state affairs could lead to the collapse of the state," he said. "The army's deployment in Port Said and Suez provinces aims to protect the vital strategic interests of the state, at the forefront of which is the vital Suez Canal," he said, adding the army would not allow the canal to be harmed. The military assumed power from deposed President Hosni Mubarak at the height of the uprising against him in 2011 before leading the state through an interim period that formally ended with Mursi's election in June last year. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Power of One Dram sums up two-year program with Teach for Armenia Idram Junior also joined the companies during the visit, bringing with it a fascinating intellectual game for children Armenia, India hold first defense consultations The meeting was attended by Indian Ambassador Nilakshi Saha Sinha and Defense Attaché Brigadier General Naveen Nijhawan. Civil disobedience campaigns continue in Yerevan People demanding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation again blocked streets in Yerevan on May 15. Court in Azerbaijan extends former Karabakh leader’s arrest by 5 months The Binagadi District Court in Azerbaijan has granted the prosecutor’s petition to extend the arrest of Arkady Ghukasyan. |