19 killed in rival protests in Egypt as tentions mount

Protesters pray as they gather for a mass protest to support ousted President Mohamed Morsi in Cairo July 26, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]

Interim President Adli Mansour on the same day urged Morsi's supporters to end their sit-in. "Go back home and I personally promise that no one will legally pursue you," he said in a phone interview with a local TV channel on Friday evening.

Outside the presidential palace, Interim Prime Minister Hazem al-Beblawi and some of his ministers joined the pro-military demonstration called on by Defense Minister Abdel- Fattah al-Sisi on Wednesday.

Sisi's call for Egyptians to take to the streets is a message to the whole world to show that the majority of Egyptians reject violence and terrorism, and that they are against such practices as blocking roads or disturbing social order, said Culture Minister Mohamed Saber.

Mohamed ElBaradei, vice president for foreign relations, said Friday it was time to end political polarization in Egypt, to renounce violence and to return to the rule of law.

"We must exercise tolerance and rebuild the nation with participation of every Egyptian citizen," ElBaradei said on his official Twitter account.

Amr Moussa, leader of the liberal Conference Party, expressed satisfaction that millions of people, via their presence in Friday's mass rallies, have expressed confidence in the armed forces and the interior ministry to take necessary measures to combat terrorism.

"The crowds sent a clear message to those who think they can play with the Egyptian national security," he added.

Nader Bakkar, spokesperson for the conservative Salafist Al-Nour Party, said that Friday marches showed persistence of Egyptians to move forward, adding elected institutions should be built swiftly.

"Al-Nour Party is making mediation efforts between the army and leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood to resolve the ongoing crisis," he said.