From

Egypt Tense Amid Calls for Fresh Protests

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  Gen. Sissi says Egyptians support the military, as Brotherhood cancels march

  
  

  ABC's Molly Hunter (@MollyMHunter) and ABC's freelance producer Adam Makary (@adamakary) report:
  

  
  

  Shortly after prayers ended, the Muslim Brotherhood announced they had been forced to cancel the main march in Cairo today. Citing "security concerns," the Anti-Coup Alliance just sent an email to supporters halting the march to Roxy Square but said all other nationwide marches will continue as planned.

  
  

   

  

  آدم

  @adamakary

  Pro-Morsi march to Roxy cancelled due to security concerns. March to Supreme Constitutional Court in #Maadi still on.

  10:47 AM

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  However, the crowds haven't arrived yet. McClatchy's Middle East Bureau Chief, Nancy Youssef, tweets from the scene:

  
  

   

  

  Nancy Youssef, نانسى

  @nancyayoussef

  The scene at the Constitutional Court. Lots of troops, police and journos but no protesters. #Egypt pic.twitter.com/5rluSBMhJU

  

  11:16 AM

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  This comes as Egypt state TV wraps up a pre-recorded speech by army chief General Abdel Fattah El Sissi. In his first appearance since last Wednesday's massacre, he defended the military's actions saying the armed forces had been nothing but "transparent and fair."

  
  

  Speaking at a Central Command meeting this morning, he told senior officials, "we will not stand by silently watching the destruction of the country and the people or the torching the nation and terrorizing the citizens."

  
  

  The army strongman praised the armed forces, saying  it was an "honor" protect  the will of the people and his "duty" to protect Egypt's homeland and security.

  
  

  He reminded the group that the Egyptian people had given him mandate to deal with the "terrorism," though the international media has chosen to ignore that fact.

  
  

   

  

  Menna منّة

  @TheMiinz

  Sissi: The call for mandate was a message to the world and international media. #Egypt

  9:56 AM

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  Sissi said Islam should never be used as a tool of intimidation and terror and warned of impending sectarian conflict:

  
  

   

  

  Menna منّة

  @TheMiinz

  Sissi: "We warned that the political conflict would lead the country to a dark tunnel" #Egypt

  10:01 AM

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  On the political process, Sissi said the military had repeatedly invited members of Morsi's former government to the negotiating table. He urged the Brotherhood and its supporters to pursue dialogue instead of violence. 

  
  

   

  

  Menna منّة

  @TheMiinz

  Sisi to supporters of #MB and Morsy: Egypt big enough for everyone, reconsider your stance. Legitimacy is for the people.

  10:09 AM

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  Menna منّة

  @TheMiinz

  Sissi: "We are cautious on blood, and the Muslim Brotherhood should reconsider their stance" #Egypt (Corrected)

  10:18 AM

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  Menna منّة

  @TheMiinz

  Sissi: "Whoever thinks that violence will make Egyptians and the nation kneel should reconsider again". #Egypt

  10:14 AM

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  Finally, Sissi expressed his sincere  thanks to his neighborhood friends: 

  
  

   

  

  Menna منّة

  @TheMiinz

  Sissi: " I thank the brothers in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Kuwait for providing support to #Egypt "

  10:04 AM

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  by Molly Hunter 8/18/2013 3:35:51 PM