Egypt cabinet tasks police to end Morsi supporters' sit-in

CAIRO - Agence France-Presse

Supporters of deposed Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi shout slogans during a march from Al-Fath Mosque to the defence ministry, in Cairo July 30. REUTERS photo

Egypt's cabinet tasked police on July 31 to take "all necessary measures" to end protests by supporters of toppled President Mohamed Morsi, warning that their demonstrations pose a national security threat.

"The continuation of the dangerous situation in Rabaa al-Adawiya and Nahda squares, and consequent terrorism and road blockages are no longer acceptable given the threat to national security," it said in a statement.

Morsi's supporters have been camped out in both squares demanding his reinstatement.

"The government has decided to take all necessary measures to confront and end these dangers, and tasks the interior minister to do all that is necessary in this regard, in accordance with the constitution and law," the statement read.

However the Muslim Brotherhood vowed to continue their sit-in protests, despite the government's order to crack down on demonstrations.

"Nothing will change," spokesman Gehad El-Haddad said when asked if the protests would end, dismissing the interim government's order for police to crack down as an "attempt to terrorise Egyptians.