The United States on Tuesday expressed concern about violence against protesters demanding an end to military rule in Egypt, dpa reported.
"We condemn the excessive force used by the police, and we strongly urge the Egyptian government to exercise maximum restraint, to discipline its forces, and to protect the universal rights of all Egyptians to peacefully express themselves," State Department Spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said.
She called on the Egyptian authorities to restrain security forces and allow peaceful demonstrations. Clashes between demonstrators and security forces have killed dozens in recent days.
Nuland applauded reassurances by Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi, the head of Egypt's ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, that elections will be held next year and power will be handed back to civilians.