According to reports peaceful demonstrators supporting one of suspended candidates for ARE presidential election clashed with unidentified assailants in Cairo on May 2. As the result 11 people were killed and more than 100 injured.

Moscow is concerned regarding the situation which caused deaths of civilians in Egypt with which we have friendly relations. We are convinced that current issues of the political agenda, including the present presidential election campaign, should be solved exclusively in the peaceful manner, within legal framework with a certain security measures of law enforcement bodies to ensure security of civilians and their legitimate rights for freedom of assembly and self-expression.

Now when the final stage of the transition period is almost completed, we consider it crucial to avoid spasms of violence, erosion of national consensus over the program of political reforms achieved by joint efforts, intended to establish conditions necessary for sustainable social and economic development of the present Egypt.

We express our hope that all political forces of the state will demonstrate responsibility, necessary restraint and willingness to resolve issues through the dialogue aimed at achievement of social unity in the name of further advancement of necessary reforms.

MFA of Russia is confirming the advice to Russian citizens visiting Egypt to avoid regions where demonstrations are held or any other areas of mass social events and for tourists not to leave resort areas.

3 May 2012