State of emergency declared

With a wave of his finger, Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi imposes a month long curfew in cities where anti-government violence has escalated in the past days.

(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) EGYPTIAN PRESIDENT MOHAMED MURSI SAYING:

"To end the bloodshed, to maintain security against vandals and law breakers, and for the protection of citizens; I have decided, after referring to the constitution, to announce the imposing of the state of emergency in Port Said, Suez and Ismailia for 30 days which will come into effect after midnight tonight."

At least 49 people have died in clashes since Thursday between police forces and those who oppose President Mursi's government.

In Ismalia, protesters took to the streets after the announcement. Dictator! Dictator, they chant.

Violence across the country has exposed deep differences of opinion.

While opponents accuse Mursi of failing to live up to pre-election promises to represent all Egyptians, his supporters say the opposition are merely trying to topple Egypt's first freely elected leader.

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7159-EGYPT MURSI ANNOUNCEMENT -no access egypt