Egyptians capable of bridging political divisions: Iran

Iran says Egyptians are capable of ending the political standoff in the country through dialogue and will not allow any foreign intervention in their country’s internal affairs.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran is following the developments in Egypt and believes the vigilant and insightful people of Egypt standing by their prudent leaders are capable of managing the current crisis,” Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Seyyed Abbas Araqchi said on Wednesday.

The Egyptian nation will “seek a solution to the ongoing impasse through peaceful channels and within the principles of mutual understanding and preparing the grounds for joint talks,” he added.

The Iranian official expressed confidence that the North African country will not permit its enemies to take advantage of the political standoff in the country or intervene in its internal affairs.

Araqchi went on to say that the democratic achievements in Egypt can be protected through national solidarity and inclusive political participation in order to prevent a return to “the bitter experience of despotic rule in the historic, civilized country.”

Egyptian people staged mass street protests in a popular revolution that finally toppled long-time dictator Hosni Mubarak in early 2011.

After a long transition process, Mohamed Morsi — backed by Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood — finished winner in the country’s first presidential election and assumed office in June 2012.

On July 3, the democratically elected president was removed from office by the country’s powerful army, which also suspended the constitution and declared chief justice of Egypt’s Supreme Constitutional Court, Adly Mansour, as interim president.

Egypt has been the scene of increasing violence since the overthrow of Morsi with dozens of people killed in clashes between Morsi supporters, his opponents and security forces.

Meanwhile, supporters of Morsi remain camped out in the two major cross-roads in Cairo, demanding his return to power.

On Wednesday, interim Prime Minister Hazem al-Beblawi called on Morsi supporters to immediately leave their protest camps. He accused the protesters of inciting violence and said their sit-ins are not peaceful