In an escalation of the situation in the vicinity of al-Ittihadeya Presidential Palace in Heliopolis, fierce clashes flared on Wednesday 5/12/2012 between supporters and opponents of President Mohamed Morsi. The two sides traded the stone throwing and Molotof Cocktails in the streets leading to the Presidential Palace.

The Presidential Spokesman Yasser Ali reiterated on Wednesday 5/12/2012 respect for the right of protest for all people but within the framework of law.

The Presidency followed up protests staged around the Presidential Palace, Ali said, adding that orders were issued to security officers to exercise self restraint to maintain the safety of demonstrators.

Prime Minister Hisham Qandil has urged all demonstrators in the vicinity of the Presidential Palace to evacuate the region immediately so that things could be calmed down and to provide a chance for launching a national dialogue to find a way out of the current political impasse.

Political symbols have reacted to the flaring incidents around al-Ittihadeya Palace.