ISTANBUL
Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmet Davutoglu on Thursday said, "We are deeply sorry over recent incidents in Egypt."
Davutoglu told a press conference at the Prime Ministry office in Istanbul that it was extremely worrying for the gains of the Egyptian revolution and the democratic process after democratically elected President Morsi was ousted by the army.
Davutoglu said they exerted 'great efforts' to reach a positive solution in Egypt. Emphasizing on Turkey's support to democratic demands of the Middle Eastern nations, Davutoglu said Turkey had strongly supported the January 25 revolution of its Egyptian friends and called for support to protect the democratic process.
It is one of the fundamental principles of democracy to voice the opposition's concerns and legitimate demands, said Davutoglu adding "Damaging the democratic process in Egypt will make the Egyptian's lose as well as all the regions and those who struggle for global peace."
He reiterated that it was unacceptable to overthrow elected governments through illegitimate ways and military coups emphasizing "Powers of Egypt's elected authorities should immediately be reinstated."
"Political stability in Egypt is requisite for social peace. It is of vital importance that all political actors must take part in elections without any restriction or discrimination. [...] After the military intervention yesterday, it is unacceptable to arrest politicians including President Morsi and Prime Minister Hashim Kandil or to put them under house arrest," he said.
The choice of Egyptians would be the choice of Turkey, Davutoglu added.
He offered his deepest condolences to the families of those killed in the protests and said that those injured would recover quickly.
Turkey expresses concern over Egypt crisis
Turkey's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the removal of Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi from office by the army and the suspension of the constitution have reached 'an extremely sensitive and alarming stage'
In a written statement the Ministry said Turkey supported the democratic transition in Egypt that began with the Revolution of the January 25 and stood by 'the friendly and brotherly people of Egypt' in their march towards democracy.
"We believe it is requisite that the current crisis must be overcome through a societal consensus to be achieved through an approach and dialogue that embrace and take the concerns and views of all segments of society into account. " said the statement. " It is not possible for any democratic country to comprehend nor to accept that an elected President is removed from office through undemocratic means other than elections."
The ministry called on all parties to act with common sense and restraint for the process of democratization that was initiated by the Egyptians with the Revolution of the 25th of January 2011, to respect the rule of law and to re-establish the democratic order by holding free and fair elections as soon as possible.
"We wish that Egypt promptly reinstates a civil government which drives its strength from constitutional legitimacy and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms."
Turkey will continue to stand by the people of Egypt and to support its political stability, unity and solidarity and economic prosperity, the statement added.
