Egypt President defends army chief’s sacking
EGYPT: Egypt’s Islamist President Mohammed Morsi has denied
trying to marginalise the army after he ordered the retirement of his
powerful defence minister, saying he was acting in the interests of the
country.
However, the Egyptian press on Monday described Morsi’s move as
“revolutionary”, with some saying it was aimed at ending the power of
the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF).
“I never intended, through my decisions, to marginalise or be unjust
toward anyone, but rather to act so that we advance toward a better
future, with a new generation, long-awaited new blood,” Morsi said in a
speech at Cairo’s al-Azhar mosque late on Sunday.
“I only wish them the best. I want them to devote themselves to a
mission, the protection of the nation,” he said.
“I did not intend to embarrass institutions,” he added, saying he had
“the interest of the country in mind.” In a move that drew thousands of
Islamist supporters to Cairo’s Tahrir Square in celebration, Morsi
Sunday effectively dismissed Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi, who ruled
Egypt for more than a year.
AFP |