The Egyptian people's demands are "legitimate," its all-powerful military said on Monday, vowing not to crush mass anti-government protests called for Tuesday.
"To the great people of Egypt, your armed forces, acknowledging the legitimate rights of the people ... have not used and will not use force against the Egyptian people," it said in a statement.
A military spokesman, quoted by Egyptian state television and the official MENA news agency, added that peaceful freedom of expression was guaranteed for all.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"Freedom of expression by peaceful means is everyone's right. The armed forces are aware of and recognise the legitimate demands of the honourable people," it said, in several references to the "legitimacy" of the people's demands.
"The presence of the armed forces on the street is for your good and for your safety and security and it will not use force against this great people."
Political analyst Diaa Rashwan told AFP: "This means the army has now taken control."
For a seventh day, protesters flooded downtown Cairo on Monday, rejecting a new government under President Hosni Mubarak in the biggest challenge ever to his three decades in power.
Organisers announced an indefinite general strike and promised a "march of a million" in the capital on Tuesday, and in the second city Alexandria, after a week of revolt in which at least 125 people have been killed and thousands hurt.
Contacts
Australian Embassy in Cairo: 202 2575 0444
DFAT emergency centre: (61) 2 6261 3305
