Hague, Ashton deplore Egypt violence

Britain’s foreign secretary has condemned Egyptian authorities’ violent response to protesters after overnight clashes between security forces and supporters of ousted president Mohammed Morsi left a reported 38 protesters dead. The EU’s foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton also deplored the violence.

Hague said, “I call on the Egyptian authorities to respect the right of peaceful protest, to cease the use of violence against protesters, including live fire, and to hold to account those responsible.”

Without mentioning Morsi by name, Hague’s statement Saturday called on Egyptian authorities to release or charge political leaders detained since July 3.

Morsi has been held incommunicado since being taken into military custody on July 3, and authorities on Friday said he had been placed under investigation on a host of allegations including murder and conspiracy with the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas.

The EU foreign policy chief’s spokeswoman said Ashton is deeply worried about the numbers of casualties that resulted from Friday’s clashes between the Egyptian security forces and Morsi supporters.

“Ashton is following with concern the latest developments in Egypt and deeply deplores the loss of life during yesterday’s demonstrations… She also calls on all actors to refrain from violence and to respect the principles of peaceful protest and non-violence,” a spokeswoman for Ashton said.