German FM ˈDeeply Concernedˈ On Escalating Situation In Egypt

Berlin, June 29, IRNA -- German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle isˈdeeply concernedˈ over heightened tensions in Egypt ahead of planned mass protests by opposition groups who are calling on Egyptian President Mohammad Mursi to step down, an official said here Friday. Speaking to the press, foreign ministry spokesman Andreas Peschke quoted Westerwelle saying that only a political dialogue-and not violence-was key to resolving political differences in Egypt. The minister reiterated also the need to press ahead with reforms in the Arab country, saying this should be the goal of all Egpytian political forces. Meanwhile, Westerwelle highlighted the right of Egpytians to demonstrate and express their opinions freely, according to Peschke. Marking his first anniversary as Egyptˈs first democratically elected president, Mursi is facing a major political challenge by Egyptˈs opposition which accuse him of being anti-democratic./end