Kerry 'deeply concerned' over attack on Egyptian anti-coup protesters

Issuing a written statement following his phone talks with Egypt's Interim Vice President Mohamed El Baradei, Interim Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy, and European Union High Representative Catherine Ashton, US Secretary Kerry expressed "deep concerns" about the bloodshed and violence in Cairo and Alexandria over the past 24 hours that claimed the lives of scores of Egyptian demonstrators and injured more than 1,000 people.

"I want to convey our deepest sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives as well as those who were injured," he said.

Kerry noted that violence not only further sets back the process of reconciliation and democratization in Egypt, but it will negatively impact regional stability.

"In this extremely volatile environment, Egyptian authorities have a moral and legal obligation to respect the right of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. Both are essential components of the inclusive democratic process they have publicly embraced," Kerry argued.

He urged the Egyptian security forces and the interim government to respect the right of peaceful protest, including the ongoing sit-in demonstrations, "at this critical juncture."

Kerry also pushed for an independent and impartial inquiry into the events of the last day, calling on all of Egypt’s leaders across the political spectrum to act immediately to help their country take a step back from the brink.

"An inclusive political process is needed that achieves as soon as possible a freely and fairly elected government committed to pluralism and tolerance," he added.

He concluded that "A meaningful political dialogue, for which interim government officials have themselves called, requires participants who represent all the political parts of Egyptian society."

Kerry reiterated US call for an end to politicized detentions and the release of political leaders consistent with the law.

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