‘Morsi is no longer president’

By C. J. Refsland on July 3, 2013 • ( 1 )

Celebrations were taking place across Egypt this evening after the military chief said President Mohammed Morsi had been forced out.

The head of Egypt’s armed forces issued a declaration suspending the constitution and appointing the head of the constitutional court as interim head of state.

In a televised broadcast, flanked by military leaders, religious authorities and political figures, General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi effectively declared the removal of elected Islamist President Mohamed Morsi.

The president’s aide has said the Egyptian leader Morsi has been moved to an undisclosed location.

Fireworks light the sky as opponents of President Mohammed Morsi celebrate in Tahrir Square

Egyptian Armed Forces Commander in Chief Abdel-Fattah al-Sissi called for presidential and parliamentary elections along with a panel to review the constitution

An army soldier (centre) cheers with protesters as they dance and react in front of the Republican Guard headquarters in Cairo

Fireworks and shouts of joy emanate from Tahrir Square after a broadcast by the head of the Egyptian military confirming that they will temporarily be taking over

Sisi called for presidential and parliamentary elections, a panel to review the constitution and a national reconciliation committee that would include youth movements.

He said the roadmap had been agreed by a range of political groups.

‘The people and the army are one hand,’ protestors cheered in the square, amid the roar of horns and chanting.

Two U.S. officials have said Egyptian defence leaders, who ousted the president, have assured the U.S. that they are not interested in a long-term rule.

The official says the leaders, in calls with Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and General Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, pledged to put a civilian government in place quickly.

Protestors cheered: ‘The people and the army are one hand’, according to reports

Celebrations broke out after the head of Egypt’s armed forces issued a declaration suspending the constitution

The president’s aide has said the Egyptian leader Morsi has been moved to an undisclosed location

Laser lights are flashed as protestors gather in Tahrir Square to celebrate the removal of President Morsi this evening

In a televised broadcast General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi effectively declared the removal of elected President Mohamed Morsi

A statement on the Egyptian president’s office’s Twitter account has quoted Mohammed Morsi as calling the military measures ‘a full coup’

Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi has been overthrown by the military and has been moved to an undisclosed location

U.S. officials also say the Egyptian military has said it will take steps to ensure the safety of Americans in Egypt, including the diplomatic mission.

President Barack Obama expressed deep concern about Egypt’s removal of President Mohamed Morsi and called for a swift return to a democratically elected civilian government.

In a written statement commenting on dramatic events unfolding in Cairo, Obama said he had directed relevant U.S. agencies to review the implications of the military intervention to determine whether it would have any impact on U.S. aid.

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He urged the Egyptian military to avoid any arbitrary arrests of Morsi and his supporters.

‘During this uncertain period, we expect the military to ensure that the rights of all Egyptian men and women are protected, including the right to peaceful assembly, due process, and free and fair trials in civilian courts,’ he said.

Four people have been killed in clashes between Morsi supporters and security forces in the northern city of Marsa Matrouh after the president was ousted by the army, Governor Badr Tantawi has said.

An Egyptian military helicopter flies over Tahrir Square after a broadcast by the head of the military confirming they will temporarily be taking over