Rejection of force only solution to crisis in Egypt

The current crisis in Egypt can be resolved only if political forces reject the use of force, Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said on Monday, July 29. “Supporters of ousted President Mohamed Morsi once again egaged in mass rallies in Cairo, Alexandria and other major Egyptian cities. These rallies which were accompanied by clashes with police and local residents. As a result, several dozen people were killed and hundreds injured,” she said. “At the same time, thousands of people are rallying in support of the interim leadership of the country which  was formed in early July of this year.” “We continue to think that a way out of this extremely complex political situation in Egypt can be possible only on the basis of rejection of forcible methods by leading political forces. Such methods are fraught with further escalation and new casualties,” Zakharova said. “We support the idea of fostering an inclusive political process for the purpose of restoring national unity, curbing violence and carrying out reforms that serve the interests of all social groups and people of all faiths of the Egyptian society with no exception,” the deputy spokesperson said. Moscow hopes that Egyptian authorities “will be guided in their actions by the priority of ensuring the rights and freedoms of citizens and public security, law and order,” she said. The Foreign Ministry reiterated its recommendation to Russian citizens in Egypt to avoid areas where mass protests are taking place and to those who are going to that country as tourists to take into account the current situation and refrain from travelling outside resort areas.