WASHINGTON: The United States has condemned the violence and bloodshed in Egypt which left at least 150 people killed and scores of others injured over the weekend in clashes during rival demonstrations by supporters and opponents of ousted President Mohamed Morsi across the country.
However, the US noted that it has not taken steps to suspend its military assistance to the country.
“The United States strongly condemns the violence and bloodshed in Cairo and Alexandria over the weekend that claimed the lives of scores of Egyptian demonstrators,” White House spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters at a news briefing.
When asked about the US annual aid to Egypt, Earnest said, “I don’t have any change in our posture to report to you today.”
“Violence not only further sets back the process of reconciliation and democratization in Egypt, but it will negatively impact regional stability,” he said.
The Obama administration has refused to suspend its aid to Egypt despite condemning the bloody violence in the country.
Egypt is the scene of daily clashes since the military coup that ousted President Mohamed Morsi on July 3.
Over the weekend, at least 150 people were killed and scores of others injured in clashes during rival demonstrations by supporters and opponents of Morsi across the country.
Washington remained silent following the coup, but American officials announced that the Obama administration would not declare the ouster of Morsi by the military a coup.
Under US law, financial assistance to any country whose elected head of state is deposed in a military coup is prohibited.
The United States supplies about $1.5 billion in annual aid to Egypt, the second largest recipient of US aid after Israel. Cairo has received more than 70 billion dollars in military and economic aid from the United States since 1948.
