Egypt govt approves state of emergency

By Mohamed Mahmoud

CAIRO

The Egyptian government on Monday approved a presidential decree declaring a three-month state of emergency across the country.

In a statement, the government said the state of emergency went into effect at 13:00 local time (11:00 GMT).

"The armed forces and police will do what is necessary to confront the threats of terrorism and its financing, maintain security across the country and protect public and private property and the lives of citizens," it said.

The parliament is expected to approve the state of emergency within a week.

On Sunday, President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi declared a three-month state of emergency in the wake of twin church attacks that killed 45 people and injured scores in northern Egypt.

Daesh terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, which came on Palm Day, a Christian feast commemorating the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.

The state of emergency allows the authorities to take exceptional measures, including trying suspects before state security courts, imposing curfews and confiscating newspapers.