Egypt's interim FM warns against external interference

Egypt's interim Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy speaks to reporters in Cairo Egypt's interim Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy has said the country welcomes communication with the international community in relation to resolving its political crisis , but warned that any foreign interference would only lead to further polarisation.
At a news conference in Cairo, he urged foreign countries to "take a balanced stance" in their response to the violence in Egypt.
"We have no problem at all with the international community following the developments closely, or to consult us if they have any concerns. However, Egypt's internal decisions are a sovereign matter," he said.
"Egypt is going through a transitional period, and we are establishing democracy. We regret that many have died, regardless of their political affiliations.
"We will continue to maintain self-restraint. However, we cannot accept putting the two sides on an equal footing. The state has the responsibility to establish the rule of law," he told reporters.
More than 600 people were killed after security forces dispersed two Islamist protest camps set up by supporters of ousted president Mohammed Morsi, last Wednesday.
The European Union (EU) meanwhile said it will review its relations with Egypt, according to a joint statement by President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy and President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso.
The leaders of the 28-member bloc have called for an immediate halt to violence in Egypt, for the resumption of political dialogue and a return to democratic rule.
“While all should exert maximum restraint, we underline the particular responsibility of the interim authorities and of the army in bringing clashes to a halt. The violence and the killings of these last days cannot be justified nor condoned. Human rights must be respected and upheld. Political prisoners should be released,” the statement reads.
On Saturday, British Foreign Secretary William Hague said Britain condemned all acts of violence in Egypt, whether by the security forces or demonstrators, and called attacks on mosques and churches "unacceptable".
Hague made the comments in a phone call with his Egyptian counterpart Fahmy, the Foreign Office in London said.
"The foreign secretary and the Egyptian foreign minister spoke about the tragic violence and loss of life over recent days," a spokeswoman for the ministry said in a statement.
"The foreign secretary emphasised UK condemnation of all acts of violence, whether disproportionate use of force by the security forces or violent actions by some demonstrators.
"They also discussed the recent attacks on places of worship and the foreign secretary stressed that attacks on mosques and churches were unacceptable and that places of worship must be protected."
Egyptian police cleared Islamist protesters from a Cairo mosque on Saturday after a standoff that included exchanges of fire, as the death toll from four days of violence surpassed 750.
"The foreign secretary noted the Egyptian government's stated commitment to the political roadmap published on July 4, based on dialogue between all parties who accepted peaceful political processes," the spokeswoman said.
"He underlined the need for urgent steps by all sides to end the violence and enable a return to dialogue. The foreign secretary also emphasised the EU's collective determination to support a peaceful resolution of the situation."
Additional source: AFP