London concerned by Egyptian unrest

LONDON, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- Violence isn't in the interest of an Egyptian government tasked with ushering in a post-revolution civilian leadership, the British government said.

Demonstrators on Monday poured into Tahrir Square in Cairo for a third consecutive day of anti-government protests. Police fired tear gas and used batons to disperse demonstrators, who were calling on the country's interim military leaders to hand power over to civilians.

Al-Arabiya reported the death toll at 33 since clashes erupted during the weekend.

Renewed violence comes as the country gets set for its first round of parliamentary elections since the country's revolution brought an end to Hosni Mubarak's reign after more than 30 years in power.

British Minister for the Middle East and North Africa Alistair Burt said he condemned the violence, calling on all sides to respect the spirit of revolution and commit to the election calendar.

"It is important Egypt enters the coming elections in an atmosphere of calm and mutual respect," he said in a statement. "The clashes between police and protesters in Tahrir Square and across Egypt are deeply concerning and the loss of life and injuries deeply regrettable."

Egypt's official MENA news agency reports Monday the country's culture minister resigned in protest of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces' handling of the demonstrations.

SCAF, the Egyptian State Information Service reported, said it has no desire to extend the political transition period. Parliamentary elections scheduled for next week are the first step toward a civilian government, the military leadership maintained.

SCAF had pledged to have elections within six months of Mubarak's ouster.