OIC calls for restraint from various parties in Egypt Thursday, 24 November 2011 09:30

CAIRO (2^nd update): An agreement has been reached between the Egyptian security forces and the protesters in the Tahrir Square to stop the clashes between the two sides completely in Mohamed Mahmoud Street leading to the Ministry of Interior, Egyptian security sources said Thursday.

This came as the influential Organization of Islamic Cooperation called for restraint from all parties involved in the recent escalation of violence in Tahrir Square.

Deputy Head of the Military Police Maj. Gen. Ibrahim al-Damati told the Egyptian TV first channel that calmness has been restored again at the Tahrir Square since 3:00 am. The situation was fully controlled through the cooperation with the loyal youth of the revolution.

He said that an agreement was reached with the protesters, stressing that things are stable and very quiet in Mohammad Mahmoud Street.

He noted that the protesters are still in the street and they have one demand which is the release of detainees. He pointed out that there will be coordination with the Ministry of Interior to discuss the cases of detainees, in preparation for their release.

Expressing his deep sadness, the OIC Secretary General Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu has conveyed his heartfelt condolences to and sympathy with the families of victims, as well as his wishes of prompt recovery for the wounded.

The Secretary General had called upon the various parties in Egypt to exercise maximum restraint and wisdom in this critical phase, to work toward preserving the gains of the revolution, and to put aside any momentary differences for the purpose of building a future that is worthy of Egypt’s historical standing. (QNA)