William Hague condemns Egypt violence

British Foreign Secretary William Hague condemned the use of violence against protesters in Egypt, saying "I call on Egyptian authorities to respect the right of peaceful protest and to cease the use of violence." Hague issued a statement following Egyptian security forces opened fire early on Saturday on Morsi supporters at Rabaa al-Adawiya Square, the site of a month-long pro-Morsi sit-in, killing at least 200 people and wounding 4,500. "I am deeply concerned by recent events in Egypt, and condemn the use of force against protesters which has led to the loss of lives. I call on all sides to refrain from violence. Now is the time for dialogue, not confrontation. It is the responsibility of leaders on all sides to take steps to reduce tensions. I also call on the Egyptian authorities to respect the right of peaceful protest, to cease the use of violence against protesters  including live fire, and to hold to account those responsible." Calling on Egyptian authorities to release political leaders detained including elected President Mohamed Morsi on 3 July, "or charge them in accordance with the law," he also expressed that such charges must be free from any suspicion that they were politically motivated. Hague also stated, "Egypt needs a political process that includes all groups on an equal footing leading to early and fair elections which all parties are able to contest."