Australia calls for calm in Egypt

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd on Monday called for calm in Egypt, following the overnight riots in downtown Cairo. Officials estimated that up to 23 people have died and over 150 others were injured during clashes between protesters and security forces in Cairo, which was sparked during a protest by Coptic Christians over an earlier attack on a church. In a joint statement by Gillard and Rudd, the pair expressed their deep concern over the violence and sent their condolences to those affected. "The government calls for calm and for clear respect for religious freedoms, human rights and the rule of law," according to the statement. "As Egypt's historical transition to democracy continues, now more than ever is a critical time for peace and stability," it said. Sunday's riot is the deadliest violence seen in the country since president Hosni Mubarak was ousted in February this year.