Germany condemns in strongest terms Egypt violence

Germany has condemned in the strongest terms the escalating deadly violence in Egypt, as the country along with France call for an immediate halt to clashes.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel called on Friday for an end to all political violence and a return to dialogue in Egypt.

“The federal government condemns the violence, which in Cairo and other cities, according to state information, has claimed more than 600 lives, in the strongest terms,” said Merkel’s spokesman, Steffen Seibert, adding, “Further escalations could plunge Egypt into a chaos of violence and counter-violence and further escalation.”

On the same day, Merkel discussed the deteriorating situation in Egypt with French President Francois Hollande by telephone.

Afterwards, Merkel said Germany is to review its relations with Egypt.

The two leaders also called for an immediate halt to the violence and for all EU foreign ministers to meet next week to discuss the crisis as well as the bloc’s cooperation with Egypt.

In addition, European Union’s foreign policy chief, Catherine Ashton, urged European countries to agree on appropriate measures in response to the bloodshed.

“I have asked member state representatives to debate and coordinate appropriate measures to be taken by the European Union in response to the situation in Egypt,” said Ashton.

The deadly violence erupted on August 14 in the capital Cairo when security forces attacked supporters of the ousted president, Mohamed Morsi.

The police crackdown on Rabaa and Nahda protest camps left at least 638 people dead and over 4,000 others injured.

The violence drew international criticism and triggered protest rallies in several countries.

Tension has intensified in Egypt since July 3, when army chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi removed Mohamed Morsi from office, suspended the constitution and dissolved the parliament. The army also declared the head of the Supreme Constitutional Court, Adly Mansour, as interim president.

Egypt is currently locked down under a month-long curfew and the police have been authorized to use live ammunition in case of attacks against state buildings.