US President Barack Obama met with the US National Security Council on Saturday to discuss the situation in Egypt. Obama expressed concern over violence and "continued political polarisation" in Egypt, and reiterated the US commitment to the democratic process while not supporting any specific group or party. He also dismissed claims coming out of Egypt that the US supports one group or party over another. He stressed the US commitment "to the Egyptian people and their aspirations for democracy, economy opportunity and dignity," and called on leaders to denounce violence. US Secretary of State John Kerry said in a statement on Saturday that all parties in Egypt have to work together to overcome the current crisis and that the only way to gain "lasting stability" is "through a transparent and inclusive democratic process." He added that the US "will continue to support the Egyptian people to ensure that Egypt's transition to democracy succeeds." British Foreign Office Minister for the Middle East and North Africa Alistair Burt said on Sunday: "there is an absolutely essential need for politicians on all sides, including the Muslim Brotherhood, who will be very bruised by events, to take part in the political process from now on." He called for the release of Brotherhood members who have been arrested but had no part in the recent violence. Former British prime minister Tony Blair also commented on the situation in Egypt in an article published by British newspaper, the Observer. He said that on the path to elections and democratic rule it will be necessary for someone to make "some very tough, even unpopular decisions. It is not going to be easy." Discussing the options for the West's response he said, "we can't afford to let Egypt collapse." He called for the West to "engage with the new de facto power and help the new government make the changes necessary." Spokesman for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Abbas Araghchi told Islamic Republic News Agency that the events in Egypt do not indicate a failure of Islamic awakening. He said that street democracy is not a favourable form of democracy and added that military intervention is inappropriate. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs published a statement on Saturday evening welcoming the support offered by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay. She said on Friday that she is willing "to place her office at the disposal of the Egyptian people in order to provide support to the transitional process."
