Egypt crisis: Defiant Muslim Brotherhood plans marches (after Friday prayers, sun rising now)

[morningfog]

The Egyptian capital Cairo is poised for renewed protests as supporters of ousted President Mohammed Morsi call for marches after Friday prayers.

It comes two days after authorities broke up Muslim Brotherhood protest camps in the Egyptian capital with the loss of at least 638 lives.

Egypt is in a state of emergency and police have been authorised to use live ammunition in self-defence.

Meanwhile, Egypt's interim leaders have criticised remarks by President Obama.

On Thursday, Mr Obama condemned the government's actions in ordering security forces to break up the protest camps, and cancelled joint military exercises.

He said co-operation could not continue while civilians were being killed. However, he stopped short of cutting $1.3bn (£830m) in aid that the US gives to Egypt.

The Egyptian presidency said in a statement on Friday that Mr Obama's words were "not based on fact" and would "embolden armed groups".

It said Egypt was facing "terrorist acts".

The Muslim Brotherhood called on its supporters to gather in mosques for Friday prayers and then take to the streets of Cairo.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-23721584

[David__77]

1. I hope there is unconditional dialogue between the two sides.

That would go far toward reducing tension.

[Comrade Grumpy]

2. Yes, Egypt is facing "terrorist acts," from its own government.

I'm trying to remember a larger and more brazen massacre of what were essentially peaceful demonstrators.

[morningfog]

3. Egypt braces for 'Friday of anger' after bloody crackdown

AFP - Egypt's Islamists called for a "Friday of anger" in Cairo after nearly 600 people were killed following a crackdown on their protest camps, as the UN urged "maximum restraint" from all sides.

"Anti-coup rallies... will depart from all mosques of Cairo and head towards Ramsis square after (traditional Friday) prayer in 'Friday of Anger'," Muslim Brotherhood spokesman Gehad al-Haddad wrote on Twitter.

The call raised fears of fresh violence after the death toll from nationwide clashes following Wednesday's operation to clear two protest camps supporting ousted president Mohamed Morsi rose to 578, making it Egypt's bloodiest day in decades.

http://www.france24.com/en/20130816-egypt-braces-friday-anger-after-bloody-crackdown