US calls on Egyptian military to allow demonstrations

US Secretary of State John Kerry called on Egypt’s military to respect protesters’ right of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, in a press statement issued Saturday.

Kerry said he had spoken to interim vice president Mohamed ElBaradei, interim foreign minister Nabil Fahmy and European Union High Representative Catherine Ashton and expressed Washington’s “deep concern about the bloodshed and violence in Cairo and Alexandria over the past 24 hours.”

“I want to convey our deepest sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives as well as those who were injured,” said Kerry.

At least 65 protesters were killed in clashes with security forces early Saturday in mayhem that underscored an increasingly heavy hand against the Muslim Brotherhood supporters, calling for the release of the deposed president Mohammed Morsi.

It was the deadliest single outbreak of violence since the military ousted Morsi on July 3 and one of the deadliest in 2 ½ years of turmoil in Egypt.

Kerry called the recent developments “a pivotal moment for Egypt,” stating that the outcome of the 2011 revolution had yet to be determined, but would “be forever impacted by what happens right now.”

“Violence not only further sets back the process of reconciliation and democratization in Egypt, but it will negatively impact regional stability,” said Kerry. “At this critical juncture, it is essential that the security forces and the interim government respect the right of peaceful protest, including the ongoing sit-in demonstrations.”

Kerry called on the army to allow an independent inquiry into the weekend violence and asked all of Egypt’s political leaders to show restraint and “help their country take a step back from the brink.”

On Saturday, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel spoke by phone with Egypt’s defense minister to express deep concern over the violence and to encourage restraint, a Pentagon spokesman said.

“The United States believes that the current transition needs to be marked by inclusivity, that Egyptian authorities should avoid politicized arrests and detentions, and take steps to prevent further bloodshed and loss of life,” Pentagon press secretary George Little said. “It is in the short- and long-term interests of the Egyptian people to renew their path toward democratic transition, and to emphasize tolerance across the political spectrum.”