Egypt's parliament approves 3-month state of emergency

Egypt's Parliament approved on Tuesday a three-month state of emergency, two days after church bombings killed at least 45 people.

The cabinet announced on Monday that the decision went into force from 1.00 p.m. on that day, but it required parliamentary approval according to the constitution.

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi declared the measure in a televised address on Sunday following the attacks, Xinhua reported.

"This is only to protect our country and prevent any targeting of its capabilities," Sisi said.

Prime Minister Sherif Ismail has called for exceptional and firm measures to fight terrorism in Egypt in a statement he delivered at the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

"It is clear Egypt is facing an unprecedented and a fierce terror attack that aims to undermine its stability," the premier added.

The approved state of emergency will sure give State institutions more flexibility in handling enemies of the homeland, Ismail told parliament.

On Sunday, twin suicide bombing at two churches in Delta province of Gharbiya and Alexandria province in northern Egypt killed at least 45 and wounded over 120.

--IANS

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