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White House urges restraint from violence in Egypt

10 October 2011 21:54 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. The White House on Monday called for restraint on all sides in Egypt as violent clashes there claimed at least 24 lives, saying President Barack Obama is "deeply concerned" about the violence in the Arab nation, APA reports quoting Xinhua.

"The president is deeply concerned about the violence in Egypt that has led to a tragic loss of life among demonstrators and security forces," the White House said in a statement.

"Now is a time for restraint on all sides so that Egyptians can move forward together to forge a strong and united Egypt," the statement said.

On Sunday night, peaceful demonstrations turned into clashes between thousands of Christians and security forces outside the state television building in downtown Cairo, leaving at least 24 dead and hundreds injured.

The conflict was the most violent since the fall of ex- president Hosni Mubarak in February after 18 days of mass anti- government protests. It came as Egypt is bracing for parliamentary elections scheduled to start on Nov. 28.

"As the Egyptian people shape their future, the United States continues to believe that the rights of minorities -- including Copts -- must be respected, and that all people have the universal rights of peaceful protest and religious freedom," the White House statement said.

"These tragic events should not stand in the way of timely elections and a continued transition to democracy that is peaceful, just and inclusive," the statement added.