Military ultimatum sparks fears of Egyptian coup

Egypt’s military issued a “last-chance” ultimatum to President Mohammed Morsi, giving him 48 hours to meet the demands of millions of protesters seeking his resignation or face intervention by the generals, who will impose their own plan for the country.

The military’s statement, read on state TV, put enormous pressure on Mr Morsi to step down and sent crowds opposing the president in Cairo and other cities into delirious celebrations of singing, dancing and fireworks.