International condemnation

Turkey

Turkey's Islamic-rooted government, which had formed an alliance with the ousted Islamist leader and has criticized his overthrow, was quick to condemn the killings. Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu tweeted: "I strongly condemn the massacre that took place at morning prayers in the name of basic human values." He added: "A political normalization process that respects the will of the Egyptian people must begin."

Britain

The British government called for movement toward free and fair elections and agreement on a democratic constitution, and called on Egyptian authorities to carry out an investigation into the events that led to the deaths. "There is an urgent need for calm and restraint," Foreign Secretary William Hague said.

Qatar

The wealthy Gulf nation, a main backer of Morsi, expressed "great concern" over the clashes and urged authorities to guarantee the "rights and protections" for all groups to express their views. The official Qatar News Agency, quoting an unnamed official, urged political dialogues, but made no mention of appeals by Morsi's backers for his return to power.

AP

(China Daily 07/09/2013 page12)