US concerned over Egypt violence

Washington, May 5 (IANS) The US has expressed concern over a recent clash in Egypt that led to the death of at least 11 people and injured more than 200 others.

"We very much remain concerned about the ongoing violence in Egypt," Xinhua quoted US State Department spokesman Mark Toner as saying.

"As you know, we've called on the government there to investigate all of these incidents fully," he said Friday at a regular news briefing.

"We want to see peaceful protest take place. We want to see all parties have the space necessary to have an open, honest political dialogue and debate about Egypt's future," Toner said.

Egypt has seen sporadic bouts of violence since the ouster of longtime ruler Hosni Mubarak in February 2011.

As the country gears up for the historic presidential vote May 23-24, protesters against the military rule were Wednesday attacked by unidentified people outside the defence ministry, resulting in 11 deaths and around 170 injuries.

On Friday, thousands of protesters clashed with military police in front of the defence ministry in Abbasiya district of Cairo, leaving at least 59 people injured.

The clash prompted the ruling Egyptian Supreme Council of Armed Forces to impose curfew in Abbasiya area around the ministry.

However, the military said they were committed to fair elections and handing over power to a civilian administration July 1.

"That's certainly encouraging," Toner said about the commitment.