Egyptian armed forces deny ultimatum to government tantamount to coup

The Egyptian armed forces had reportedly denied that statements from its commander led to a military coup and claiming that the aim was just to push politicians reach consensus.

According to News 24, the military denied having any political ambitions for itself and said that it was responding to the 'pulse of the Egyptian street' in issuing an ultimatum to political leaders to unite after mass rallies on Sunday against President Mohammed Morsi.

The military said that the ultimatum was a 'last chance' and called the protests on Sunday which brought millions of Egyptians demanding Morsi's ousting as 'glorious' and said that the protesters expressed their opinion 'in peaceful and civilised manner' adding that it is necessary that the people get a reply to their calls.

The report said that the military had issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Morsi and his opponents to reach an agreement to meet the people's demands or it will intervene to put forward a political road map for the country and ensure that it is carried out.

According to the report, the military further denied that it will be party in politics or rule, however it added that it has a responsibility to act because Egypt's national security is facing 'grave danger', the report added.