Australian FM condemns violence in Egypt
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Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd condemned the violence that has taken place in Cairo's Tahrir Square in Egypt on Thursday morning.
About 600 people were injured and three killed in clashes between pro- and anti-government protesters in the Tahrir Square in downtown Cairo.
Rudd said the attacks on peaceful demonstrators are unacceptable and must stop.
"We call upon the Government of Egypt to take steps to ensure that its citizens are free to demonstrate safely," Rudd said in a statement released on Thursday.
"The disturbing events in Tahrir Square underline the urgent need for a negotiated and peaceful solution to this political crisis."
He said the latest showdown also proved the political crisis was far from over, and there is still a need for political reform.
"The Egyptian people have made clear their aspirations for change," he said. "Fundamental political reform is needed now."
Protesters have vowed not to stop demonstrations until President Mubarak step down, even though he has earlier promised not to re-contest his presidency in September's election.
