Japanese FM concerned over situation in Egypt

Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida on Monday expressed strong concern over a large number of casualties resulting from the recent collisions between demonstrators and security forces in Egypt. "Japan strongly urges all relevant parties to desist from acts of violence and behave with the greatest extent of self-restraint and responsibility," Kishida said in a statement. "Japan re-emphasizes the necessity of further efforts toward comprehensive reconciliation with the participation of all parties. This is important for Egypt to stabilize the situation and tackle its economic and social issues effectively," the minister noted. According to media reports, at least 80 people were dead and hundreds injured in the capital, Cairo, and elsewhere after Egyptian security forces attacked supporters of ousted President Mohamed Morsi from Friday through Saturday. It was the worst violence since the ouster of former Morsi on July 3.