The United States is closely watching the growing political crisis in Egypt, holding talks with all sides in a bid to quell any violence, a top US official said Monday.
“We urge all parties to ensure that the democratic process and the building of Egypt’s democratic institutions can continue,” State Department spokesman Patrick Ventrell said.
“We want to see no violence in Egypt. Tragically and regrettably, there has been some violence. We’re against all violence.”
US officials were “watching the situation closely,” Ventrell added, saying they were “in touch with all sides, including the armed forces.”
Millions of people took to the streets on Sunday to demand the resignation of Islamist President Mohamed Morsi, who was elected a year ago.
The country’s armed forces warned Monday that if the Egyptian people’s demands are not met within 48 hours then it will step in to prevent unrest spreading.
Ventrell said he was not going to make a broad statement about the state of security in Egypt.
“We don’t take sides, we don’t have a particular party or group or interest that we’re backing,” Ventrell said.
“Indeed, the only thing that we’re backing is the Egyptian people and… the goal of their success in their democratic transition.”
Washington was focused on hopes for a broader reconciliation between all the groups to achieve a “compromise so that they can move forward with their transition and with their economy.”
Thousands of jubilant protesters poured into the streets of Cairo, Alexandria and other large cities after the statement was broadcast. Raucous cheers rang out across main squares.
In Tahrir Square, protesters voiced their support for army chief and Defense Minister General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, chanting: “Come down Sisi, Morsi is not my president.”
The US has urged Americans to avoid all non-essential travel to Egypt, after a US citizen was killed on Friday during clashes in the northern port of Alexandria.
Ventrell assured reporters Monday that the US embassy in Cairo remained open, adding that Washington took “seriously” the protection of its diplomats and citizens.
US monitoring 'closely' events in Egypt
