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Egyptian Army Chief Warns State Could Collapse If Crisis Continues


The head of the Egyptian armed forces General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi
The head of the Egyptian armed forces General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi
The head of the Egyptian armed forces has warned that the current political crisis could lead to the collapse of the state.

General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who is also defense minister, said the economic, social, and political challenges Egypt is facing represent a "real threat to the security and cohesiveness" of the state.

His remarks came in an address to military academy cadets on January 29 which were posted on the armed forces' official Facebook page.

More than 50 people have been killed in several days of unrest across Egypt.

Islamist-backed President Muhammad Morsi has declared a month-long state of emergency in three Suez Canal cities and their surrounding provinces, which have been hit by the violence.

But protesters overnight defied the curfew in Port Said, Ismailia, and Suez and also clashed with security forces in Cairo.

Based on reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP

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