Egypt sends troops to calm clashes in Cairo, 20 dead

Egypt's army said on Wednesday it was deploying extra troops to control clashes that erupted at a protest near the Defence Ministry in Cairo, where medical and security sources said the death toll had risen to 20.
   
"Eight armoured personnel carriers from the military central zone entered the Abassiya area to disperse the fighting between protesters, and not to disperse the peaceful demonstrators. However, protesters attacked the armed forces. The armed forces have orders to hold their ground," an army statement said.
   
The army said clashes had been contained. A Reuters witness said the situation on the ground had calmed.

A leading Islamist candidate in Egypt's presidential race, Abdel Moneim Abol Fotouh, suspended campaign events on Wednesday until further notice in protest at the way the authorities handled an anti-army protest in Cairo, a spokesman said.
   
"Anything related to campaigning today including voluntary activities on the ground is being suspended," Ali al-Bahnasawy, his media adviser, told Reuters.
   
Reuters