Egypt: US And EU Want End to Egyptian stalemate

The US and the European Union have called on parties in the Egyptian political crisis to end the dangerous stalemate that has engulfed the country, since ousting of former leader Mohammed Morsi in a military-backed coup.

Efforts involving diplomats from the US, EU and for restore the Egyptian political process back on track have been fruitless, since Morsi’s depose on 3 July.

On Wednesday the office of the interim President Adly Mansour declared in a statement that the “phase of diplomatic efforts has ended”, saying that “these efforts have not achieved the hoped for results”.

In a joint statement issued by the US Secretary of State John Kerry and EU High Representative Catherine Ashton issued shortly afterwards,the US and EU wants the Egyptian government to begin talks on ending the crisis, saying it bore a special responsibility to begin the process.

"While further violent confrontations have thus far been avoided, we remain concerned and troubled that government and opposition leaders have not yet found a way to break a dangerous stalemate and agree to implement tangible confidence building measures," they said.

The government statement came hours after US Deputy Secretary of State William Burns left Egypt after days of mediation talks, assisted also by EU envoy Bernardino Leon.

The interim authorities say they blame the deposed Muslim Brotherhood party for being responsible for the gridlock.

Both the US and EU wants neither of the sides to assess blame, but initiate dialogue and move the transition forward.

"This remains a very fragile situation, which holds not only the risk of more bloodshed and polarisation in Egypt, but also impedes the economic recovery which is so essential for Egypt's successful transition”, the statement continued.

Morsi, Egypt’s first freely elected leader was ousted in a military take-over following a wake of nationwide protests over worsening social and economic conditions. The government has said it will break up the sit-in protests in the capital, Cairo, staged by Morsi’s brotherhood supporters who are demanding for Mr Morsi’s reinstatement.

Interim Prime Minister HazemBeblawi has said the government’s determination to break up the protests was “final and irresistible” and any use of weapon against police in response will meet utmost force and decisiveness.