CAIRO, Sept 17 (Aswat Masriya) – The Salafist al-Watan Party announced on Wednesday its withdrawal from the pro-Mohamed Mursi Anti-Coup Alliance.

The party stressed it is adamant on "pursuing political struggle among the Egyptian people, in a completely peaceful manner, and while putting the people's best interest before that of parties and bodies," according to a statement reported by state-run news agency MENA.

The Anti-Coup Alliance, also known as the National Coalition for Supporting Legitimacy, was formed in late June 2013 to voice its support for Mursi's "legitimate" presidency. It was made up of a group of Islamist political parties, headed by the Muslim Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party and including the al-Wasat Party and the Watan Party as well as a number of public figures.

The alliance has been rallying protesters to decry Mursi's military ouster since July 3, 2013. Protests have nevertheless decreased with time, their impact becoming weaker by the day.

The Watan Party follows in the footsteps of the Wasat Party. The latter announced its withdrawal from the alliance in late August.

Both parties expressed their intention to work within a "national umbrella."