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EGYPT: First anniversary of the fall of Mubarak background of tensions

The Supreme Council of the armed forces, in power since the fall of Egypt Hosni Mubarak a year ago and much criticized for his handling of the transition, said Friday he would not give to "threats", evoking "conspiracies" against the state.

These statements came as activists have called for "civil disobedience" and strikes on Saturday to mark the first anniversary of the fall of the former president.

Mr. Mubarak had resigned under pressure from the street February 11, 2011, handing power to the army.

"We face these days, a step that is most difficult (...) from our glorious revolution, and we are at a turning point that is most dangerous on our way to freedom, democracy and social justice, "said the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (AFSC) in a statement read on state television.

"We tell you frankly that our beloved Egypt faces plans to hit our revolution in the heart" causing "dissension among the children of the people (...) and their armed forces es, "he added. 

"We are facing plots against the nation whose purpose is to undermine the institutions of the Egyptian state and topple the government itself for the chaos, the destruction prevail and that the enemies of the nation are met, "he said, without specifying who these enemies.

But "this will not happen," he said. "We will never surrender to threats, we will not back down to pressure, and we will not accept diktats," said the AFSC.

The military junta has repeated its determination to "hand over power to an elected civilian power".

"We held the first promise we gave legislative power to the People's Assembly during its first meeting after elections which are de ; rolled in freedom and integrity, "she said.

"Presidential power is delivered to the president after the election that ends the transition period, and your loyal army will return to its mission original, "promised the AFSC. 

The presidential election should be held before the end of June. But many activists want the army immediately return power to civilians.

Acclaimed a year ago, the military is widely criticized for several months for transition management. They are accused of perpetuating the old regime and suppress pro-democracy movement, and to seek to preserve their privileges and continue to influence politics.

Thousands of Egyptians demonstrated Friday near the Defense Ministry to demand the end of the power of the military.

The activists also called for a day of "civil disobedience" and strikes Saturday, the anniversary of the fall of M. Mubarak.

After these calls, which the Muslim Brotherhood, the big winners of the recent parliamentary elections, opposed the arméea announced it would deploy throughout the countries to ensure safety.

Anger against the army escalated after the death of 74 people in violence after a football match in Port Said (north). The tragedy has triggered demonstrations across the country, which have rapidly escalated into violent confrontations with police. Fifteen people died in clashes in Cairo and Suez (northeast).