Egypt army: will not use violence against citizens
Reuters / Samia Nakhoul
31-Jan-2011 (2 comments)

CAIRO Jan 31 (Reuters) - The army said on Monday it would not use force against Egyptians staging protests demanding President Hosni Mubarak step down, a statement said.

It said "freedom of expression" was guaranteed to all citizens using peaceful means.

It was the first such explicit confirmation by the army that it would not fire at demonstrators who have taken to the streets of Egypt since last week to try to force Mubarak to quit.

"The presence of the army in the streets is for your sake and to ensure your safety and wellbeing. The armed forces will not resort to use of force against our great people," the army statement said.

"Your armed forces, who are aware of the legitimacy of your demands and are keen to assume their responsibility in protecting the nation and the citizens, affirms that freedom of expression through peaceful means is guaranteed to everybody."

It urged people not resort to acts of sabotage that violate security and destroy public and private property. It warned that it would not allow outlaws and to loot, attack and "terrorise citizens".

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Fair

Egyptian Army stands by its people

by Fair on

Compare this stance with that of the IRGC and its thug commander Jaafari, who openly declared war on the people of Iran.

Now when can we expect the Iranian army to do the same as the Egyptian Army and do the right thing? Or are we still supposed to just "settle for reform in baby steps" as the "reformists" have been BS'ing us with for over a decade?



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Darius Kadivar

Let's Hope there won't be a Jaleh Square Blunder or Provocation

by Darius Kadivar on

In all revolution's the most dangerous juncture is a radicalization of the discontent often triggered by tragic incidents which become symbolic turning points.

If "outside" elements or radical groups provoke a direct confrontation like in Iran with the Jaleh Square back in '79 or the Potemkin massacre during the Bolchevik Revolution it can have tragic consequences often leading to blind hatred from both sides.  

For the transition to take place smoothly they need to find an honorable exit for Mobarak in a way that the Entire State does not collapse.

That is what the Tunisians have managed to do.

If Egyptians were to achieve a similar smooth transition despite the current chaos and unfortunate casualties here and there it would truly prove the maturity of the Egyptians in handling their common destiny and would attest to the collective wisdom of all involved in trying to maintain civil peace while moving forward towards their common goal: Democracy.

My fears is that Islamic Radicals including from outside Egypt manage to penetrate the country to create confusion and provoke a tragic incident only to blame it on the regime.

That would lead to an impossible situation.

Let's hope that never happens.