Prime Minister Dr. Hisham Qandil on Saturday 02/02/2013 condemned the acts of violence and fierce clashes erupted Friday 01/02/2013 in the vicinity of Ittihadiya Palace when demonstrators threw Molotov cocktails, flares and stones against the Palace - the symbol of sovereignty of the Egyptian State - describing what happened as a pointless scene.

In a TV speech to the Egyptian people, Qandil said that after political powers have signed Al-Azhar document rejecting violence and encouraging dialogue, some powers called on their supporters to go to Ittihadiya Palace, a matter which resulted in throwing Molotov cocktails, flares and stones at the Palace.

Qandil stressed that he inspectedthe vicinity of Ittihadiya Palace and can confirm that those whom he saw in the vicinity of the Palace and Tahrir Square do not belong to Egypt's peaceful protestors and demonstrators.

PM Qandil expressed regret over beating up a protester, saying that the interior ministry is investigating the issue. He called on all political powers to shoulder their responsibility, stop this chaos and withdraw their peaceful protestors immediately in order to uncover rioters who cause damage to the country.

Qandil pointed out that there is an opportunity to make a change through the coming parliamentary elections, stressing that the government will face decisively acts of violence and sabotage. He urged all national and political powers to put Egypt's interests above all other considerations.