Presidency: Egyptian street sees political momentum reflecting freedom

Presidential spokesman Ihab Fahmi said that the Egyptian street is witnessing a political momentum that reflects the freedoms gained after the January 25 Revolution. Speaking at a press conference held at Al-Qobba presidential palace, the spokesman said the presidency is keen on holding two press conferences today to brief the media on the latest developments about the protests. President Mohamed Morsi previously called for holding a serious national dialogue with all political and national groups, Fahmi said. Today, the president renewed this call, the spokesman said. He added that the right to expression of opinion and peaceful protest is ensured by the constitution. However, the violent acts are condemned and can not be justified. "In this historic moment, we should resort to the voice of reason and the dialogue," the spokesman said. He added that the dialogue is the only way to reach mutual understanding and national consensus on all issues. The spokesman said that the interests of the nation must be prioritized above any private interests. He asserted the presidency's keenness to sit with the political groups in order to reach a solution to get out of the current political polarization. Fahmi denied any Western mediation between the presidency and the opposition. He also denied reports claiming that the government's powers have been transferred to Defense Minister Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. These reports are false and unfounded, he said.