White House condemns violence in Egypt

David Jackson | USA TODAY

Show Caption Hide Caption White House condemns violence in Egypt The White House is condemning violence in Egypt, saying it will only make it more difficult for the country to move forward. (Aug. 14)

President Obama was briefed on the situation during his vacation

White House says it continues to review aid to Egypt

Egypt%27s interim government has cracked down on backers of ousted president

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration "strongly condemns" Egypt's violent crackdown on protesters and will demand proof that the interim government is indeed moving toward democracy, an official said Wednesday.

"The violence will only make it more difficult to move Egypt forward on a path to lasting stability and democracy, and runs directly counter to the pledges by the interim government to pursue reconciliation," said White House spokesman Josh Earnest.

Secretary of State John Kerry also criticized Egypt's use of force to clear settlements of supporters of ousted president Mohammed Morsi, saying that "today's events are deplorable" and "violence will not create a road map for Egypt's future."

Kerry also said the United States stands ready "to work with all the parties" in Egypt on some kind of peaceful settlement.

Speaking to reporters on Martha's Vineyard, Mass., where President Obama is on vacation, Earnest said the U.S. government continues to review the $1.3 billion in foreign aid provided annually to Egypt.

Obama was briefed on Egypt Wednesday morning by National Security adviser Susan Rice, Earnest said.

The president also played golf Wednesday morning in Edgartown, Mass.

The White House statement came shortly after Egypt's interim president declared a month-long state of emergency after a day of violence.

Government forces in Egypt cleared two growing encampments of Morsi backers. There have been clashes between security forces and Morsi supporters in Cairo and throughout Egypt. The government also declared a nighttime curfew in Cairo and 10 provinces.

Vice President Mohammed El Baradei has resigned from the interim government over the crackdown.

A statement from the office of President Adly Mansour said he has ordered the armed forces to support police in efforts to restore order.

The Associated Press, citing Egypt's official news agency, reported that at least 149 people have been killed throughout the country, and more than 1,400 have been injured.

The United States strongly opposes a return to emergency laws in Egypt, and calls on the government "to respect basic human rights, such as freedom of peaceful assembly and due process under the law," Earnest said.

He stressed that Egypt's interim government -- set up after the military deposed Morsi in July -- has pledged to transition back to a democratically elected government as soon as possible.

"That's a promise that they have made, and that's a promise that we're going to encourage them to keep," Earnest said.

In the coming days and weeks, the United States will seek "tangible evidence" of progress toward democratic elections and a free and open society, Earnest said.

American officials are talking with their counterparts in Egypt and will continue to do so, Earnest said.

The Egyptian military removed Morsi from power last month; the Obama administration has declined to call that incident "a coup," a declaration that would require the U.S. government to end aid to Egypt.

Said Earnest: "The world is watching what is happening in Cairo. We urge the government of Egypt and all parties of Egypt to refrain from violence and resolve their differences peacefully."

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon also condemned the violence by Egyptian security forces "in the strongest terms."