File photo shows Egyptians rally at Tahrir Square in downtown Cairo.
Iran has dismissed as Å“unacceptable” the Egyptian armyâ„¢s intervention in the political affairs the North African country, saying foreign hands are at work in Egypt.
“The interference of military forces in the political scene is unacceptable and concerning,” Iran Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abbas said Monday.
He added that developments in Egypt are multifaceted and whatâ„¢s important is putting significance on the Å“legitimate demands of the Egyptian people.”
”Driving the Egyptian society towards disagreement and division, and polarizing the society are [all] dangerous [issues]. All developments are occurring simultaneously and this has complicated the situation,” Araqchi stated.
The Iranian spokesperson said that Egypt is a great country in the Muslim world which has been a pioneer of many intellectual movements in the Arab and Muslim worlds.
”Definitely there are foreign hands at work and this issue cannot be denied…. Without a doubt a strong Egypt will not be desired by Westerners and the Zionist regime [of Israel]. Therefore, it is natural to consider their meddling in Egypt a possibility,” Araqchi added.
He strongly condemned the killing of innocents and the spread of violence in Egypt, saying unrest in African state and the Muslim world does not benefit anyone.
The Iranian spokesman expressed hope that unity and solidarity would be restored in Egypt and peace and stability would return to the country.
Araqchiâ„¢s remarks came after the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood said the death toll from the armyâ„¢s Monday attack on supporters of ousted President Mohamed Morsi in the capital, Cairo, had risen to 53 with five children among the dead.
The Brotherhood said its supporters were killed when the army attacked a sit-in outside the Republican Guardâ„¢s barracks, adding that snipers targeted protesters attending the sit-in.
The countryâ„¢s Health Ministry has confirmed the death of at least 40 people.
Egypt has been the scene of fresh rallies by thousands of the supporters and opponents of Morsi as political turmoil escalates in the North African country.
Morsi was unseated on July 3, and the chief justice of Egyptâ„¢s Supreme Constitutional Court, Adly Mansour, was sworn in as interim president of Egypt on July 4.
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Republished with permission from: Press TV