An alliance of Egyptian Islamist groups has canceled a series of public events due to fears of being attacked.

The Alliance for Supporting Democracy, which comprises 33 Islamic movements including the Muslim Brotherhood, called off two news conferences and several marches in Cairo on Sunday, claiming snipers may have been deployed along march routes.

Despite the cancellations, tensions between security forces and supporters of ousted president Mohammed Morsi remain high amid international calls for a return to dialogue.

Egyptian Defense Minister Abdel Fatah al-Sisi said on Sunday his country would stand firm against any attempt to attack government and religious institutions, according to the military's Facebook page.

Sisi appeared to be directing his remarks at the Muslim Brotherhood.

"Those who think that the country and the people will kneel in front of the violence must reconsider their thoughts," Sisi said, adding he would not keep silent about the attempts by some people to burn the country, terrorize people and send a message to foreign media that civil war was underway in Egyptian streets.

Xinhua

(China Daily 08/20/2013 page10)