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Turkey concerned over violence in Egypt, urges rapid transition

Arab World Materials 22 November 2011 09:48 (UTC +04:00)
Turkey has said it is concerned over violence in Egypt between protesters and security forces, underlining that the transition period must be completed soon in line with people’s expectations and demands
Turkey concerned over violence in Egypt, urges rapid transition

Turkey has said it is concerned over violence in Egypt between protesters and security forces, underlining that the transition period must be completed soon in line with people's expectations and demands Todayszaman reported


Security forces fired tear gas and clashed on Monday with several thousand protesters in Cairo's Tahrir Square in the third straight day of violence that has killed at least 24 people and has turned into the most sustained challenge yet to the rule of Egypt's military.

After months of growing tensions between the two sides, revolutionary activists threw down the gauntlet, vowing they would not leave the iconic downtown roundabout until the ruling generals leave power - or at least set a clear date for doing so.

Repeated attempts by security forces and military police over the weekend have failed to eject them from the square, and the rising death toll has only brought out more and angrier protesters.

A statement released by the Foreign Ministry on Monday said Egypt is going through what it said an irreversible, historic democratic transformation process, adding that it is Turkey's wish that this process is completed as soon as possible based on expectations and legitimate demands of Egyptian people.

It said it is important that Nov. 28 elections in Egypt to be free, fair and transparent.

Turkey said it invites all sides to stay away from violence and behave in utmost commonsense and constraint to restore peace and stability.

Turkey also called on Egyptian authorities to take necessary measures to protect fundamental rights and freedoms of protesters who are peacefully expressing their demands and expectations.

"We believe that Egypt will successful complete its transition period and we reiterate that Turkey will stand by brother and friend Egypt in this sensitive period," the statement concluded.

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