LONDON, Dec 05, 2012 (AFP) -
LONDON, Dec 05, 2012 (AFP) –
British Foreign Secretary William Hague called on Wednesday for all sides in Egypt to “show restraint” as supporters and opponents of President Mohamed Morsi clashed over his decision to expand his powers.
“I am concerned by reports of violent clashes following earlier peaceful protests in Cairo. I urge all sides to show restraint,” Hague said in a statement.
“The UK remains committed to supporting Egypt’s political transition and strengthening democracy. We are in close contact with both the Egyptian authorities and leaders of the opposition.
“We call on the Egyptian authorities to make progress on transition in an inclusive manner which allows for a constructive exchange of views.
“We urge all parties to resolve their differences through a process of dialogue which allows all voices to be heard.”
Supporters and opponents of Morsi lobbed Molotov cocktails and rocks at each other on Wednesday near the presidential palace in Cairo, as the political battle over the president’s decree on November 22 turned violent.
The declaration expanded Morsi’s powers and allowed him to put to a referendum a disputed constitution drafted by Islamists.
