Egypt ministry calls on protesters to depart

[August 03, 2013]  CAIRO (AP) -- An Egyptian police official says that if followers of ousted President Mohammed Morsi abandon their protest sit-ins, this will allow his Muslim Brotherhood group to have a normal role in the political process.

Saturday's televised remarks by Interior Ministry spokesman Hany Abdel-Latif came as authorities announced plans to break up the two main Cairo sit-ins by erecting cordons to prevent people from entering them.

Morsi's backers, including his Muslim Brotherhood group, have vowed to continue protesting until he's reinstated.

"If you believe you are bringing victory to the Brotherhood (by pursuing the sit-ins), it is your safe and secure departure that will allow the Brotherhood to go back to its role in the political process," Abdel-Latif said.

Morsi was overthrown in a July 3 coup after millions demonstrated demanding his overthrow.

[Associated Press]

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