Egypt PM Underscores Right To Peaceful Demonstration

Egyptian Prime Minister Dr. Kamal Al-Ganzouri said Saturday the right to demonstrate peacefully was irreversibly enshrined in the Constitution.

But as in all countries of the world there should be parameter controlling the popular demonstration such as non-hindering of the public work or non-infringement on the interests of citizens, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Faiza Abul-Naja quoted the premier as saying during a cabinet meeting.

“Dr. Al-Ganzouri reaffirmed his government’s commitment to protect this right while asserting the need for citizens to realize the vital importance of preserving security, stability and safety of public facilities,” she said.

The cabinet meeting reviewed the preparations for the first anniversary of the January 25 revolution, she said, downplaying the concerns over possible unrest during the celebrations to mark this occasion.

“The role of the Ministry of Interior as well as the armed forces during these celebrations will be restricted to protection of the public institutions near Al-Tahrir Square,” she pointed out.

“The responsibility for preserving the security of the rallies inside the square will be left to citizens who are able to protect themselves, so there is no need to panic,” she added.

In a related development, Chief of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces Field-Marshal Mohammad Hussein Tantawi adopted a decree to release 1,959 convicts who were court-martialed over the turmoil in the wake of the revolution.