01/08/2013 10:29
Egypt protesters defy cabinet threat to end sit-ins
Thousands of supporters of ousted Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi have defied a new warning from the military-backed cabinet and are continuing their sit-ins in the capital, Cairo, BBC reported.
The country's interim leaders have ordered police to end ongoing protests at two sites in the city.
But Mr Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood said they had no option but to continue the month-long sit-ins.
The United States has again urged Egypt to respect freedom of assembly.
Pro-Morsi demonstrators want to see the Islamist leader reinstated. He was removed by the army on 3 July, after just one year in office.
They have defied previous threats of removal, despite clashes with security forces that have left dozens dead.
The Egyptian interior ministry says gradual steps will be taken to disperse the crowds.
"The continuation of the dangerous situation in Rabaa al-Adawiya and Nahda squares, and consequent terrorism and road blockages, are no longer acceptable given the threat to national security," it said in a statement on Wednesday.
Police had been tasked to end the demonstrations "within the law and the constitution", it added.