THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
August 14, 2013
Statement by Principal Deputy Press Secretary Josh Earnest on Egypt
The United States strongly condemns the use of violence against protesters in Egypt. We extend our condolences to the
families of those who have been killed, and to the injured. We have repeatedly called on the Egyptian military and
security forces to show restraint, and for the government to respect the universal rights of its citizens, just as we
have urged protesters to demonstrate peacefully. Violence will only make it more difficult to move Egypt forward on a
path to lasting stability and democracy, and runs directly counter to the pledges by the interim government to pursue
reconciliation. We also strongly oppose a return to a State of Emergency law, and call on the government to respect
basic human rights such as freedom of peaceful assembly, and due process under the law. The world is watching what is
happening in Cairo. We urge the government of Egypt - and all parties in Egypt - to refrain from violence and resolve
their differences peacefully.
ENDS