The US State Department expressed deep concern over violence in Tahrir Square during the past few days, confirming that all parties should focus on running “free, fair elections” this month. The State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said in a press conference in Washington DC two days ago that the use of violence on the part of the Egyptian authorities or the Egyptian people is not the solution. She called on Egyptian authorities to “exercise maximum restraint,” emphasizing that the only solution to the current events is the ballot box. Nuland added that the US supports the Egyptian peoples' goal of having a democratically elected civilian government. Fairly elected representatives will be able to draft a new constitution that defines the characteristics of Egypt in the coming years, she said. The US wants to see the Egyptian people express themselves through peaceful balloting and by electing representatives who will draft the new constitution, she added. In response to a question about whether US President Barack Obama has contacted the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), Nuland said Ann Peterson, the US ambassador to Egypt, is in constant communication with all parties. Nuland added that Jeffery Feltman, an assistant secretary of state, is also in touch with Egyptian officials by telephone. Nuland confirmed the US desire that SCAF holds elections without delay in order to continue on the path to democracy. Translated from the Arabic Edition
