Pretoria – The South African government says it is crucial that Egypt finds a way to resolve its differences peacefully and through democratic means.
The country has been undergoing a democratic transition following the topping of President Hosni Mubarack two years ago. Protests have recently broken out in various cities, with protesters reportedly calling for the resignation of President Mohamed Morsy, who narrowly won the Presidential election.
“It is crucial at this time that Egyptians find the way to resolve differences through democratic means,” Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ebrahim Ebrahim said on Tuesday.
He added that dialogue and non–violence were key to restoring stability and moving Egypt’s transition forward.
The Deputy Minister said a secure and stable Egypt was crucial for regional stability and security.
Morsi on Tuesday had vowed to continue a plan based on national reconciliation to resolve the ongoing political crisis. He said an earlier statement in which the Defence Minister Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi urged all parties to end their conflict within 48 hours may have been confusing.
"Some implications of the speech's phrases may add confusion to the already complicated scene," Morsi said in a statement.
The presidency stressed that it would "continue its own plan for comprehensive national reconciliation regardless of any announcement that may deepen division among fellow citizens and undermine social peace”.
On Monday, Sisi set a 48-hour deadline for all parties to resolve the country's crisis before imposing a military-supervised roadmap on the future of the turmoil-stricken country.
The military statement was hailed by throngs of anti-Morsi protesters and the main opposition bloc National Salvation Front, who interpreted it as a response to their demand that Islamist Morsi should step down. – SAnews.gov.za-Xinhua
