Egypt’s presidency on Friday harshly answered U.S. President Barack Obama’s criticism, saying that it valued his concern but feared that his comments would “strengthen violent armed groups”.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Interim President, Adly Mansour’s office, on Friday in Cairo.
“Egypt is facing terrorist acts targetting government buildings and vital installations … The presidency, while regretting the loss of Egyptian lives, is working strongly to bring about social peace and security,” said the statement.
The presidency said it also feared that Obama’s remarks would “encourage” armed groups “in their opposition to stability and democratic transformation”.
“Egypt values the sincere positions of world states, but fully affirms its complete sovereignty and self-determination,” the presidency added.
It will be recalled that the U.S. on Thursday urged its citizens to leave Egypt or not to travel there due to the ongoing unrest.
Political unrest in the country has shown little sign of abating, the State Department said in a new travel warning that pointed to violent clashes between security forces and protesters.
It urged U.S. citizens to stay away from demonstrations and warned they could become targets of attacks.
