The Egyptian military establishment adheres to national values and constants, the defense minister and commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces General Abdel-Fatah al-Sisi said on Thursday 20/12/2012.

The national role of the Armed Forces can never be doubted, questioned or opened to any bargaining, Sisi said at a meeting with officers of the department of armament and ammunition.

The Armed Forces is helping in securing the public referendum on the new constitution to protect the people's right to freedom of expression, he said, stressing the importance of maintaining social peace to preserve national security.

The military establishment's main job is to defend the security of the homeland, Sisi said.

Sisi also said that he is certain that all Egyptians appreciate the national and patriotic role played by the military servicemen who will always be ready to serve the nation at any time of need.

He called on Egyptians to be united, stressing that their unity is the fundamental basis for the nation's stability and progress.

General Sisi hailed the efforts exerted by the Armed Forces personnel to stage exercises which are designed to keep the Armed Forces strong and to enhance them to play their designed role in protecting national security.

He also called on the Armed Forces officers and commanders to work for enhancing combat skills.

Sisi, meanwhile, thanked the Armed Forces troops for their distinguished performance in securing the first round of the referendum on the draft constitution.