STATEMENT OF THE GENERAL COMMAND OF THE ARMED FORCES Wednesday 3rd July 2013 at 1918 ________________________________ In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful Great People of Egypt 1- The Egyptian military has been incapable of turning deaf ears or blind eyes to the movement and voices of the masses, who call for its national, not the political, role. The Armed Forces, first and foremost, have announced and still insist on distancing themselves from politics. 2- The military, dashing from its insightful vision, perceived that the people who call for its backing do not summon the military to assume power or rule, but to render public service and necessary protection of their revolutionary demands. Such is the message received by the Armed Forces from every urban and rural corner of Egypt. In turn, the Armed Forces realized this call, comprehended its objective, assessed its inevitability and approached the political scene with hope, desire and commitment to duty, responsibility and integrity. 3- The Egyptian Armed Forces, over the past months since November 2012, have spared no effort directly and indirectly to contain the domestic situation and conduct national reconciliation among all political powers, including the Presidency. The military initiated a call for national dialogue that was positively responded to by all national political powers but declined in the last minute by the Presidency. Since that time, calls and initiatives have followed till this moment. 4- The Egyptian Armed Forces, more than once, presented a strategic assessment of the internal and external situation, including the key challenges and risks encountering the nation at the security, economic, political and social levels. The military, as a patriotic establishment, also related its vision to contain the causes of national division, eradicate the reasons of congestion, and counter challenges and risks in an endeavor to get out of the current crisis. 5- In the follow-up of the ongoing crisis, the General Command of the Armed Forces convened with the President in Quba Presidential Palace on June 22nd, 2013. It expressed its opinion and stated its rejection to the offenses against the State national and religious establishments of the Church and El-Azhar. Moreover, the Command reiterated its rejection to the intimidation and threat of the Egyptians. 6- Hope was pinned on national reconciliation to lay down a roadmap for the future and provide motives of trust, reassurance and stability for the people, in a way that fulfils their ambitions and aspirations. However, the speech of the President last night, before the end of the 48-hour grace period, neither met nor conformed to the demands of the masses. Such a matter necessitated that the military, out of its national and historical responsibility, hold consultation with national and political powers and youths, none alienated. The participants have agreed on a future roadmap with initial steps to bring about a strong and cohesive Egyptian society that excludes none of its members and trends and terminates the state of conflict and division. This roadmap includes: a- The temporary suspension of the constitution. b- The Chief Justice of the Supreme Constitutional Court to take the constitutional oath before the SCC General Assembly. c- To hold early presidential elections with the SCC Chief Justice being in charge of the caretaking of the State during the transitional period until a new president is elected. d- SCC Chief Justice to be entitled to issue constitutional declarations during the transitional period. e- To form a strong and capable national government of technocrats enjoying all authorities to manage the current period. f- To form a commission that includes the full spectrum and experiences to revise the proposed amendments to the constitution, which is temporarily suspended. g- To urge the Supreme Constitutional Court to expedite the approval of the draft electoral law of the House of Representatives and commence the preparatory procedures of the parliamentary elections. h- To draw up a media code of ethics that provides for the freedom of the media and ensures professional rules, credibility, impartiality and elevation of the higher interests of the State. i- To adopt executive measures empowering and merging youths in the State establishments to become partners in the decision-making, as assistants to ministers and governors and various executive posts. j- To form a higher commission for national reconciliation from figures, who represent all orientations and enjoy credibility and acceptance of all national elites. 7- The Armed Forces appeal to the great Egyptian people, from all trends, to abide by peaceful demonstrations and avoid violence that leads to more congestion and bloodshed of innocent people. However, the Egyptian military, out of its national and historical responsibility, warns that it will forcibly and decisively rebel any deviation from peacefulness in accordance with the law. 8- The Armed Forces salute and praise the honorable and sincere men of the military, the police, and the judiciary for their great patriotic role and endless sacrifices to maintain the safety and security of Egypt and its great people. May God save Egypt and its venerable and brave people! God bless you!
Posted on: Thu, 04 Jul 2013 05:52:33 +0000
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