UK Foreign Office condemns Egypt violence

British Foreign Office Minister for the Middle East, Alistair Burt, has expressed his concern over growing reports of violence emerging from the latest wave of protests currently gripping Egypt. “"I am deeply concerned by reports of violent clashes resulting in a number of deaths and injuries, following demonstrations to mark the second anniversary of the 25 January revolution and the verdict in the Port Said court case,” Burt said in an official statement. “This cannot help the process of dialogue which we encourage as vital for Egypt today,” the Minister continued. “We call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to ensure that all protests remain peaceful.” At least 30 people have died in clashes between demonstrators and security forces in cities across Egypt, including Cairo, Suez and Port Said. Port Said erupted yesterday after a court sentenced 21 defendants to death for their alleged roles in the February 2012 Port Said football massacre. Clashes reignited this morning when security forces fired tear gas and gunshots on a funeral march remembering victims of the weekend's violence. Burt meanwhile called on Egyptians to “support the aim of strengthening true democracy.” “The right to peaceful freedom of expression and assembly is an essential part of this,” he said. “But the violence we have seen can have no place in a truly democratic Egypt."