(AFP Photo)
British Foreign Secretary William Hague has called on Egyptian authorities “to cease the use of violence against protesters, including live fire.”
Hague said: “I am deeply concerned by recent events in Egypt, and condemn the use of force against protesters which has led the loss of lives.” He also called for all groups to refrain from violence adding: “now is the time for dialogue, not confrontation.”
The foreign secretary called directly on the Egyptian authorities “to respect the right of peaceful protest, to cease the use of violence against protesters, including live fire and to hold to account those responsible.”
Hague’s statements come following a night of sustained violence close to the site the pro-Mohamed Morsi sit-in in Rabaa Al-Adeweya Square in Nasr City. The Anti-Coup Coalition claims “the attacks were carried out by police officers dressed in uniform alongside thugs.” The coalition reported “at least 100 men were shot dead and 5,000 injured,” and claimed that “live ammunition, birdshot and nerve gas were used against protesters.”
Interior Minister Mohamed Ibrahim denied on Saturday that police used live ammunition against protesters. The Ministry of Health reported early on Saturday that 21 people were killed as a result of the violence.
