Federal Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle this evening (2 February) telephoned Egyptian Vice-President Omar Suleiman.

He emphasized that the German Government is following the violent clashes in Cairo with grave concern. He made clear the Egyptian security forces have a duty to protect peaceful demonstrators. Violent suppression of the protests was unacceptable.

It was vital to organize a democratic transition process with the utmost speed and to open a dialogue in this connection with the Opposition, which should address in particular the question of constitutional reforms and free and fair elections.