The latest unrest in Cairo has claimed lives of scores of Egyptian protesters and injured more than a thousand civilians.
Reports say police killed dozens of protesters who are supporters of ousted president and Muslim Brotherhood leader Mohamed Morsi. The group of demonstrators has reportedly and camped out for weeks to oppose the military coup that ousted Mr. Mors from power on July 3.
As the bloodshed continues to escalate in Cairo, US Secretary of State John Kerry expressed deep concern about the bloodshed and violence in Cairo and conveyed sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives as well as those who were injured.
In his remarks in Washington DC, US Secretary Kerry says this time is a pivotal moment for Egypt.
He cites that over two years ago, a revolution began and its final verdict is not yet decided. However the events in the following days have impeded its goal for a stable and democratic country.
“In this extremely volatile environment, Egyptian authorities have a moral and legal obligation to respect the right of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.” – Secretary Kerry
He says both are essential components of the inclusive democratic process the Egyptians have publicly embraced.
Violence not only further sets back the process of reconciliation and democratization in Egypt, but it will negatively impact regional stability, he stressed.
Respect to right to peaceful protests must be uphold
Secretary Kerry emphasizes that at this critical moment, it is essential that the security forces and the interim government respect the right of peaceful protest, including the ongoing sit-in demonstrations.
He further says the United States urges an independent and impartial inquiry into the events of the last day. He adds the US calls on all of Egypt’s leaders across the political spectrum to act immediately to help their country take a step back from the brink.
He underlines that an inclusive political process is needed that achieves as soon as possible a freely and fairly elected government committed to pluralism and tolerance.
“The Egyptians who poured into Tahrir Square in 2011 and 2013 themselves called for this outcome for their country’s future and for their aspirations.” – Secretary Kerry
In addition, a meaningful political dialogue, for which interim government officials have themselves called, requires participants who represent all the political parts of Egyptian society.
To enable such a dialogue, s Secretary Kerry says the United States reiterates its call for an end to politicized detentions and the release of political leaders consistent with the law.
Mohamed Morsi of Muslim Brotherhood was the declared as the new president of Egypt in June 2012.
Reports say Egypt’s Higher Presidential Elections Commission announced the results of the 16-17 June run-off poll. The run-off reportedly declared Mohamed Morsi garnered majority of the votes against ex-prime minister Ahmed Shafiq.
May 2012, with the hope of regaining the country’s stability after the revolution, Egyptians headed to the polls to cast their ballots in the country’s first free vote for a leader in 5,000 years of history.
Around 50 million eligible Egyptian voters were called to choose 13 candidates.
Earlier in 2012, President Obama proposed a $1 billion cancellation of Egyptian debt to support Egypt’s economic recovery.
Egypt has made progress on human rights since the revolution that toppled the regime of Hosni Mubarak.
Long-standing regimes were toppled by a wave of pro-democracy protests that have engulfed much of North Africa and the Middle East in 2011, particularly in Egypt, Tunisia and Libya.
