Iranian FM calls for national dialogue in Egypt

Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi underlined the necessity for the start of broad-based National Dialogue meetings in crisis-hit Egypt to work out democratic mechanisms to meet people’s demands. “We hope that Egypt’s problems will be solved through an Egyptian-Egyptian dialogue,” Salehi said, addressing a press conference in Tehran on Sunday. The Iranian foreign minister noted that Iran is committed to the principle of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs. “We are in contact with all political parties of Egypt and have been in contact with the Arab country’s foreign minister and acting Vice-President Mohamed ElBaradei after the recent developments in that country," the Iranian foreign minister said, and added, "We are still contacting Egypt’s new government.” Egypt plunged into violence after the country’s army ousted President Mohammed Mursi, suspended the constitution, and dissolved the parliament on July 3. The military overthrow followed days of mass protests against Mursi. The army also declared chief justice of Egypt’s Supreme Constitutional Court, Adly Mansour, as interim president. Last month, the Egyptian Prosecutor General ordered the arrest of Muslim Brotherhood leaders, including the supreme leader of the group, Mohammed Badie, on charges of inciting violence. Many people have been killed in violent clashes involving supporters and opponents of Mursi and security forces in the last few weeks.