Turkey deeply regrets the hundreds of deaths and thousands of casualties that occurred following the violent and bloody intervention to the peaceful civilian demonstrations held last night in Egypt. We vehemently condemn this terrible incident that can not be condoned in any way. We wish God's mercy upon those who lost their lives and a speedy recovery to the wounded.

We are concerned about the latest developments and the possibility that the death toll may rise. The resort to violence and to weapons against peaceful demonstrators, the irresponssible opening of fire on civilians are acts that deeply hurt public conscience.

It is evident that such interventions that cause the loss of lives will not contribute to the internal peace and serenity of brotherly Egypt. Firing upon demonstrators who stand up for democracy and for their own will is not an act that the conscience of humanity can accept.

In this delicate period through which friendly and brotherly Egypt is passing, it is an absolute necessity for the internal peace of the country that the security forces, which are responsible for protecting the safety of Egyptian citizens act in line with this responsibility.

It is also important that the demonstrators, who have so far not resorted to violence while expressing their rightful request of returning to democracy, act without responding to provocations and do not depart from peaceful methods.

The latest events that occurred in Rabaa al-Adaweya Square have clearly shown the importance of respecting the will of the people of Egypt and of allowing peaceful demonstrations. Wrong reactions to civil protests will not help the process of transition to democracy and will have unforeseeable consequences for the entire people of Egypt.

These events have also demonstrated the necessity of a transition to a democratic government based on the free will of the people and constitutional legitimacy without delay. We deem it imperative that an inclusive political process to be agreed by all the segments of the population is swiftly implemented.

Turkey, as always, stands by the brotherly people of Egypt and is ready to provide any possible support in its democratic transition process.