Global General

Egyptian Army pledge not to use force

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-02-01 16:53

CAIRO - The Egyptian Armed Forces "have not and will not use force" against protesters, and the army will guarantee peaceful freedom of expression to all, according to an official statement obtained by Xinhua on Tuesday.

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The Army also warned that "any unacceptable attempts by outlaws to terrorize citizens or undermine the security and safety of the nation" will not be allowed, vowing that the army will protect the public and private property, the statement said.

Tens of thousands of Egyptians have taken to streets for a week to protest poverty, high employment and government corruption, demanding an end of the 30 yeas rule of President Hosni Mubarak.

The mass protests across the country have led to more than 100 people dead and thousands injured due to clashes between angry demonstrators and police. Although the curfew has been imposed on January 29 in Cairo and other major cities which have witnessed the looting and other criminal acts, the security tension still remains and gunfire can be heard overnight.