Malaysia voices concern over violence in Egypt

Malaysian government officials and civilian groups on Thursday voiced concern over the ongoing violence in Egypt, calling for dialogue to end the conflict between the authorities and protesters. Foreign Minister Anifah Aman said on Thursday that the Malaysian government strongly opposed violence as a means of solving any conflict and hoped all parties would exercise full restraint and return immediately to negotiations for a peaceful solution. Anifah stressed that it was vital to resolve the current political stalemate by continuous dialogue and a progressive reconciliation process. "The Government of Malaysia is deeply saddened and concerned with the latest unrest and bloodshed that has occurred and cost hundreds of lives, injured thousand others, and not to mention the destruction of properties," he was quoted as saying by state news agency Bernama. Prime Minister Najib Razak said he was "disturbed by reports of violence against protesters in Egypt and call on the authorities to exercise restraint." "Civilian casualties are deeply regrettable. We urge all parties to cease hostilities immediately and work towards peaceful resolution, " he tweeted on his micro-blog. Several hundreds of protesters from various non-governmental organizations staged a rally outside the Egyptian embassy in Kuala Lumpur to protest against the use of forces by the Egyptian army. At least 525 people were killed and 3,717 others injured across Egypt in clashes between supporters of ousted President Mohamed Morsi and the security troops, after the latter dispersed Wednesday two major pro-Morsi sit-ins in Cairo and Giza, an official from Egypt's Health Ministry said Thursday.