Iran Intensifies Diplomatic Consultations over Egyptian Crisis


Iran Intensifies Diplomatic Consultations over Egyptian Crisis

TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the issue of Egypt is top on his agenda, and called for an immediate end to the soaring tensions in the Muslim country through consultations and other diplomatic means.

The new Iranian foreign minister, speaking in Tehran on Friday, expressed concern about escalation of conflicts in Egypt, saying the tragedy in that country “will top the agenda” of his ministry.

“…As many consultations as possible must be held to stop this situation in Egypt, to protect the lives of innocent people from these conditions,” Zarif added.

Elsewhere, during a telephone conversation with Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu on Friday, the Iranian minister urged the OIC to put effort into finding a peaceful way out of the impasse in Egypt.

The OIC secretary general, for his part, expressed deep concerns about the deteriorating conditions in the Arab country.

Many Iranian officials have so far expressed concern about the ongoing crisis in Egypt.

In relevant remarks on August 9, Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei had expressed concern about the tense conditions in Egypt, and said, “The possibility of outbreak of civil war in this country (Egypt) has been increased, and this is a tragedy.”

Emphasizing the need for democracy in the North African country, the Leader stated that crisis in Egypt should be resolved by the Egyptians alone, and also dismissed any foreign interference in the Muslim country.

On Wednesday at least 638 people died when the security forces cleared two protest camps in Cairo , a move that drew international condemnation.

Also on Friday, more than 100 people were killed in clashes between supporters of deposed president Mohamed Mursi and the security forces.

Egypt's interim leaders have imposed curfews in the capital and other areas. The interior ministry says police have been ordered to use live ammunition in case of attacks on state installations.

 

 

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