Egypt’s interim prime minister says security is a priority to restore peace, improve economy

CAIRO – Egypt’s interim prime minister says his government is putting priority on increasing security to restore peace and improve the country’s economy.

Hazem el-Beblawi also told reporters Saturday that a clear political process is needed to reassure the country’s international allies.

He dismissed accusations that the release Thursday of the ousted longtime leader Hosni Mubarak was a return to Egypt’s old political order. He said Mubarak’s release was in accordance with the law.

Mubarak was released this week following an appeal from his lawyers and is now under house arrest pending trial. His release raised tensions in a country already roiled by instability following the coup against Mubarak’s successor, freely elected President Mohammed Morsi.

Protests by Morsi supporters continue. Government officials accuse the pro-Morsi camp of threatening national security.