'Morsi wanted to announce state of emergency' if 30 June anti-government demonstrations turned violent

Egyptian President Mohammad Morsi wanted to announce a state of emergency if security matters went out of hand during planned anti-government protests next week.

Mori suggested declaring a state of emergency if violence got out of control in a private meeting with security officials on Wednesday, Gulf News has learned.

According to the report, the defence and interior ministers left the high-profile meeting with Morsi over security plans, turning down the suggestion.

The sources said the meeting ended with no result and no clear plan based on a presidential stance.

Minister of Defence Abdul Fatah Al Sisi, Minister of Interior Mohammad Ebrahim and Head of General Intelligence Agency Mohammad Raafat Shehata attended the meeting to discuss the security situation prior to the impending mass demonstrations on June 30, the report said.

A statement released by the presidency on the meeting said Morsi stressed the importance of dealing in a civil way with citizens who express their opinion peacefully, and responding to any violations of law or threats to state institutions.

Security reports reviewed by Shehata affirmed that a wave of clashes is inevitably coming soon.

According to the report, officers who agreed to be on the streets during the protests have demanded legal protection and guarantee that they would not be prosecuted if they open fire during the expected riot acts.

Morsi, finally, proposed both ministers: preparing security forces for a possible declaration of a state of emergency should planned 30 June anti-government demonstrations turn violent.

The two ministers turned down the proposal and adviced Morsi that declaring the state of emergency in this period will be in vain.