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Egyptians set to stage demonstrations for and against Morsi

Iran Press TV

Mon Jun 10, 2013 5:12PM GMT

Egyptians plan to stage nationwide demonstrations for and against President Mohamed Morsi on the anniversary of his taking office on June 30th, Press TV reports.

While supporters of Morsi and Muslim Brotherhood hail the occasion as a reason for celebration, the opposition is planning mass protests.

“The president has lost his legitimacy. One year has passed under his rule and no achievement has been made. The country’s political and economic conditions are getting worse day after day. We will take to the streets on June 30th with the peaceful demand which is the downfall of the regime,” said Wafd Party spokesman Abdullah al-Moghazy.

Major confrontations are expected to take place between Morsi’s supporters and opponents on the day.

An opposition movement, Rebel, which is an organizer of the anti-Morsi protest, has managed to collect over 7 million signatures in favor of early elections.

Several opposition movements including the National Salvation Front and April 6 Youth Movement have accused the president of failing to abide by the goals of the 2011 revolution and pledged to join the protests.

Meanwhile, Morsi has dismissed the call for early elections as absurd and unconstitutional, but asserted the right of his opponents to peacefully demonstrate and voice their opinions.

Islamic parties, on the other hand, have strongly condemned the calls for anti-Morsi protests.

“No one is denying that the government has committed mistakes. But it is also unconstitutional and against the legitimacy of the elected president to demand for early elections. If the gathering of the people is an issue, I think the supporters of President Morsi are an overwhelming majority,” said member of al-Asala Party Hussein Khaled.

Security will be tight around the Presidential Palace as well as other vital locations in the capital on the day.

The Minister of Interior called on political forces to abide by law and be peaceful.

Many observers underscore the need for swift measures to start a credible round of national dialogue in an attempt to bring an end to the escalating political tension in the country.

ASH/SS