Rival demonstrations called in Egypt – Middle East – Al Jazeera English

Rival demonstrations called in Egypt – Middle East – Al Jazeera English. (FULL ARTICLE)

Supporters and opponents of deposed Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi have called for rival demonstrations on the 1973 Arab-Israeli war anniversary after the deadliest violence in weeks.

The Anti-Coup Alliance called on Saturday for its supporters to try to reach Cairo’s Tahrir Square on Sunday, which has been blocked off by the army, to mark the 40th anniversary of the war.

The conflict, known as the October war in the Arab world and the Yom Kippur war in Israel, is remembered proudly by the Egyptian army as it caught Israel’s defences unawares and led ultimately to Egypt’s recovery of the Sinai Peninsula in the 1979 peace treaty.

Many saw Friday’s protests, which resulted in four people dying and many more being injured, as a trial run for demonstrators to asses how the security forces would prevent Sunday’s marches.

The Egptian authorities on Saturday issued a warning to anyone considering marching on the anniversary.

“The Ministry of Interior asserts its determination on confronting violence and infringements of the law by Muslim Brotherhood supporters,” a ministry statement said.

“Security has been stepped up on highways, in all cities and at important installations.

“The Ministry of Interior warns against attempting to spoil the 6th of October commemoration.”…

Related articles

• Anti-coup alliance call for Tahrir protest (aljazeera.com)
• Egypt Islamists call 1973 war anniversary demos (dailystar.com.lb)
• Egypt braces for fresh Tahrir Square protest (gulfnews.com)