(AFP File Photo)
By Mahitab Assran
On Monday interim president Adly Mansour gave a speech in celebration of the 61st anniversary of the 23 July 1952 “revolution,” commemorating its achievements and comparing it to the 30 June protests.
He acknowledged former presidents Mohamed Naguib, Gamal Abdel Nasser, and Anwar El-Sadat for their role in spreading “anti-colonial” revolutions throughout the developing world and in bringing about “freedom and independence.”
Mansour however acknowledged that there were a “few mistakes” during the Nasser and Sadat era but stated that it was “our duty to learn from mistakes and avoid repeating them instead of trying to seek vengeance.”
Mansour compared the 1952 revolution, that was carried out by “nationalistic youth,” with the 30 June protests, saying that Egyptians must “start a new chapter and focus on building the future.”
On Tuesday Abdul Fatah Al-Sisi, Minister of Defence, sent Mansour a letter congratulating him on the 61st anniversary of the 1952 revolution, stressing the role of the armed forces that has “always been loyal to the people, protecting the people’s interests and demands.”
