Death Toll Mounting in Egypt
CAIRO – A deadly night of violence in Egypt with reports of at least 100 people dead, and likely far more. Egyptian security forces were clearing people who are protesting to demand the reinstatement of deposed Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi. The Muslim Brotherhood movement says that up to 600 people have been killed and that up to 9,000 people have been wounded. Those figures reported to the BBC have been disputed by other sources.
The Egyptian Government’s Health Ministry is claiming that the official death toll is 13 dead and 98 wounded.
Death Toll Mounts No Independent Confirmations
There are reports not yet independently verified that have live ammunition and tear gas being fired by both sides in the ongoing dispute. A Reuters reporter has reported that he saw about twenty people who had been shot in the legs by soldiers. Supporters of deposed President Morsi had been throwing stones and petrol bombs at Egyptian troops.
Violent Crackdown Draws Concern from EU
The European Union is calling for greater restraint from Egyptian authorities.”The reports of deaths and injuries are extremely worrying,” Michael Mann, a spokesman for EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said. “We reiterate that violence won’t lead to any solution and we urge the Egyptian authorities to proceed with utmost restraint.”
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Linas Linkevičius expresses extreme concern over today’s unrest in Egypt that claimed many lives and deplores the use of violence. The Foreign Minister once again urges all sides of the conflict to refrain from violence and to launch reconciliation process.
“We are deeply concerned with Egypt’s future. At this critical moment, it is important to avoid escalation of violence and to solve political disagreements through peaceful means, as well as to begin a dialogue between the political forces as soon as possible,” Linkevičius said.
In Canada, Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada is advising against non-essential travel to Egypt, except for Red Sea coastal resorts where travellers should exercise a high degree of caution, due to the unpredictable security situation and continued demonstrations throughout the country. Foreign Affairs recommend that Canadians register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service.
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