Slovenia expresses concern over violence in Egypt

Slovenia has expressed "extreme concern" over the growing tensions and recent deadly clashes in Egypt, and has called for political dialogue between rival groups "in a spirit of tolerance." In its statement issued late Wednesday, the Slovenian Foreign Ministry urged Egyptian authorities to refrain from disproportionate use of force, while also demanding that protesters avoid resorting to violence. "The political crisis in Egypt can only be overcome with an immediate end to violence and the establishment of political dialogue that must be based on the respect of democratic standards, human rights and the rule of law," the statement said. On Wednesday, the security forces dispersed two major sit-ins of ousted Islamist President Mohamed Morsi's loyalists in Cairo and Giza. The dispersal operation and relevant clashes left at least 525 killed and about 3,717 injured nationwide, according to the Health Ministry's statement on Thursday. Due to the turmoil, Egypt announced Wednesday a state of emergency for one month and imposed a curfew in several governorates, including Cairo, Giza and Alexandria.