By correspondent Philip Williams in Cairo, wires
Video: Philip Williams reports from Egypt (ABC News)
Photo: Egypt's government says roadblocks set up by Morsi supporters are a security threat. (AFP: Fayez Nureldine )
Egypt's interim government has ordered police to clear protesters from the streets, in a move that threatens more violence.
Tens of thousands of supporters of deposed president Mohammed Morsi have vowed to continue their sit-ins and marches after defying earlier government threats to force them out.
In a televised address, Egypt's information minister said the protests outside a Cairo mosque and near Cairo University constituted a security threat and said the cabinet authorised police to end the month-long stand-off.
He added that road blockages and terrorism were not acceptable and the authorities could use legal means to remove them.
Key points
- Morsi protesters have vowed to continue sit-ins and marches, defying government orders
- Egypt's interim government has ordered the police to clear the protesters from streets
- Interior ministry did not give any indication of how or when the protesters would be moved on
- Mood remained calm in Rabaa al-Adawiya, where thousands of demonstrators have erected a tent city
"The continuation of the dangerous situation in Rabaa al-Adawiya and Nahda squares, and consequent terrorism and road blockages are no longer acceptable given the threat to national security," the government said in a statement.
"The government has decided to take all necessary measures to confront and end these dangers, and tasks the interior minster to do all that is necessary in this regard, in accordance with the constitution and law."
In Rabaa al-Adawiya, where thousands of demonstrators have erected a tent city, the mood was calm after the announcement.
Many were preparing for the Ramadan fast-breaking meal and there was no sign of an immediate increase in the security presence.
The interior ministry had warned the demonstrations would be dispersed "soon," but without giving an indication of when or how.
EU negotiator holds meeting with Morsi
The prospect of a dangerous showdown comes just days after 82 people were killed at a pro-Morsi protest.
It also follows negotiations brokered by EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashdon, which were aimed at easing tensions.
She met with a string of officials from the military-installed interim government and the opposition, as well as Mr Morsi.
Her meeting with him at a secret location was the ousted leader's first announced visit, though the Egyptian presidency said on Wednesday that an African Union delegation has also held talks with the toppled head of state.
Ms Ashton said she had a "friendly, open and very frank discussion" at an undisclosed venue outside Cairo.
"Morsi is well," she told reporters after the two-hour meeting.
"He has access to information in terms of TV, newspapers, so we were able to talk about the situation and we were able to talk about the need to move forward."
The US State Department has urged Egypt's interim government to respect the rights of protesters, following the plan to bring in police.
"We have continued to urge the interim government, officials and security forces, to respect the right of peaceful assembly," deputy spokeswoman Marie Harf told a news briefing.
"That obviously includes sit-ins."
Brotherhood leaders charged over violence
But the chances of avoiding further confrontation appear to be fading and charges have been announced against three leading members of the Muslim Brotherhood.
The Brotherhood's supreme guide who is in hiding, Mohammed Badie, and imprisoned deputies Khairat al-Shater and Rashad Bayoumi have been referred to trial on charges of inciting the murder of demonstrators.
The move further dims prospects for negotiations with the Islamists.
The allegations relate to the deaths of protesters outside the Brotherhood's headquarters on the night of June 30.
Mr Morsi himself has been detained on suspicion of involvement in prison breaks and the murder of policemen during the early 2011 revolt that toppled president Hosni Mubarak.
