We utterly condemn today’s attacks in Cairo that claimed several lives and left many people injured. Our sympathy is with the families and friends of the victims. To the injured we wish a speedy recovery.

This new wave of violence in Egypt gives us cause for grave concern. There will only be progress in Egypt if the country succeeds in overcoming polarisation within society and enabling all forces in society to participate in an inclusive political process leading to renewed constitutional and democratic legitimacy. The constitutional referendum has been a step in the right direction. What is essential now is a safe environment, especially in the run‑up to the parliamentary and presidential elections.