LONDON, Aug. 28 (UPI) -- Egyptian leaders are called on to return the country to a state of constitutional order peacefully, former U.N. chief Kofi Annan said.
Interim Egyptian Prime Minister Hazem el-Beblawi said the Aug. 14 crackdown on supporters of ousted President Mohamed Morsi was "necessary" because of their interference with political progress, Ahram Online reported Wednesday.
Hundreds of people were killed during clashes between pro-Morsi demonstrators and Egyptian security forces.
The military removed Morsi from power July 3. He faced widespread criticism for failing to lead the country through its post-revolutionary phase. His supporters said the ouster was a military coup.
Former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said he was concerned by the loss of life and destruction in Egypt. He issued a statement on behalf of The Elders, an international non-governmental organization, saying the government should prevent the disproportionate use of force by the security services.
"[The Elders] hope that the government can rapidly return Egypt to constitutional rule based on an inclusive process of consultation and dialogue," he said in a statement Wednesday.
The European Union said it was suspending military exports for Egypt in response to the violence. The U.S. government said it was reviewing its policies but stress Egypt plays a role in broader regional security interests.
