New defense minister exalts army and police for ‘heroic sacrifice’

“The Egyptian military will not change. Its main concern is the interest of the people and the nation [and] it does not abide by any sectarian, political or religious doctrine,” said on Monday Egypt’s newly-appointed Defense Minister Sedky Sobhy.

In a meeting with Armed Forces personnel and leaders at the Galaa Theater, Sobhy praised the role of the army and its Sinai operations in particular, according to statements released on the military spokesperson’s official Facebook page.

This is one of Sobhy's first speeches after he succeeded Field Marshal Abdel Fattah al-Sisi as defense minister, who stepped down from his post last week to announce that he would enter the presidential race. Major General Mahmoud Hegazy replaces Sobhy as the Armed Forces chief of staff.

Earlier on Monday, Sobhy visited the Abbasseya Cathedral to pay condolences to Pope Tawadros II on his mother’s passing.

During his speech, Sobhy said that the “Armed Forces has endured a lot for the sake of Egypt and its great people, reflecting the highest levels of loyalty.”

He added that the Egypt’s army “has historically been a great patriotic army that does not hesitate to stand behind its people.”

Sobhy also praised the work of the Armed Forces in “combating terrorism in Sinai and all governorates” and their willingness to sacrifice their lives, saying that the whole world is following the efforts of the army and the police in the fight against terrorism.

He lauded the cooperation of police forces, which he described as “loyal heroes for their efforts and exceptional readiness, which ensures trust between the people and the police.”

Recently, Sobhy is said to have had an active role in the contentious Sinai operations — where Egyptian troops have been fighting alleged terrorist cells — as well as the question of arms diversification.

Military operations in Sinai, which have intensified in the aftermath of the ouster of deposed President Mohamed Morsi, have been criticized for the collateral damage they cause to residents in the area and the number of civilian deaths incurred in the process.

Sobhy reportedly preceded his address with a short documentary film prepared by the army’s Department of Moral Affairs titled “A moment of meditation,” which is said to touch upon the “struggles faced by Egyptian society as a result of the intellectual and ideological extremism, and the way this reflects on security and stability.”

He also commended the “role played by former military leaders and their efforts in the last period to protect national cohesion and stability.”