UN chief calls for "maximum restraint" by all sides in Egypt

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday urged all the parties in Egypt "to act with maximum restraint" and called on "the interim authorities to ensure law and order along with guaranteeing the safety and security of all Egyptians."

"The secretary-general is following closely, and with growing concern, developments in Egypt," said a statement issued here by Ban's spokesman.

"The secretary-general once again urges all sides to act with maximum restraint," the statement said. "He supports the rights of all Egyptians to hold peaceful protests."

Ban's statement came as tensions were again escalating in Egypt ahead of rival rallies by followers of ousted president Mohammed Morsi and the army on Friday.

"The secretary-general renews his calls for a meaningful national dialogue and an inclusive reconciliation process," said the statement. "The aim must be to chart a peaceful path toward a full return of civilian control, constitutional order, and democratic governance."

"Mr. Mohammed Morsi and Muslim Brotherhood leaders currently in detention should be released or have their cases reviewed transparently without delay," the statement said.

The new Egyptian leaders are pushing ahead with a transition plan for an interim government and fresh elections, but Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood defiantly insists on his reinstatement.

Also on Thursday, Egypt's armed forces gave a 48-hour ultimatum for Islamists to join the national rank, the state-run MENA news agency reported.

In a statement dubbed "the last chance," the army said it will adopt a new strategy to deal with "black terrorism" after the end of a pro-military protest which was planned for Friday.

"Those who failed to see the masses on June 30 and July 3 will see them on Friday," said the statement, referring to the June 30 protest that led to the ouster of Islamist president Morsi.

"What happened on June 30 was a popular uprising, not a military coup," the military claimed, adding that the army and the Interior Ministry will not allow any one to disturb the country's peace, security and stability.