British minister concerned about Egypt unrest

British Foreign Secretary William Hague said on Saturday he was "deeply concerned" by unrest in Egypt that has led to dozens of deaths and condemned the use of force against protesters. "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," Hague said in a statement released by the Foreign Office. “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 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. “I also call on the Egyptian authorities to release political leaders detained following the events of 3 July, or charge them in accordance with the law. Such charges must be free from any suspicion that they are politically motivated. “In our view, 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," the minister concluded. Dozens of Mohammed Morsi's supporters were shot dead in the Egyptian capital on Saturday as violence erupted following a night of massive rallies for and against the ousted Islamist president.