Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood has called for more protests Tuesday, a day after clashes between the military and supporters of ousted President Mohamed Morsi left 51 people dead.
The two sides traded blame for sparking the violence, with the Muslim Brotherhood saying the army opened fire on Morsi supporters without reason. The army says troops shot only after coming under heavy gunfire from terrorists trying to storm a military headquarters in Cairo.
Egypt's interim president Adly Mansour called for restraint from both sides and an independent investigation into the violence.
He also issued a decree Monday saying a referendum will take place within five months to ratify amendments to the country's constitution. Parliamentary elections will follow within two months, and once that chamber convenes, a date for a presidential vote will be set.
Egypt's army suspended the Islamist-drafted constitution and overthrew Morsi last week, following massive protests against his rule.
The army described the move as necessary to enforce the will of the millions of people who have repeatedly demanded his resignation. But the Muslim Brotherhood says the action was a military coup.
White House spokesman Jay Carney said Monday the U.S. is concerned by the increasing violence and what he called a "dangerous level of political polarization" in Egypt. He also said cutting off aid to Egypt would not be in Washington's best interests. Egypt is the second-largest recipient of U.S. financial assistance behind Israel.
The two sides traded blame for sparking the violence, with the Muslim Brotherhood saying the army opened fire on Morsi supporters without reason. The army says troops shot only after coming under heavy gunfire from terrorists trying to storm a military headquarters in Cairo.
Egypt's interim president Adly Mansour called for restraint from both sides and an independent investigation into the violence.
He also issued a decree Monday saying a referendum will take place within five months to ratify amendments to the country's constitution. Parliamentary elections will follow within two months, and once that chamber convenes, a date for a presidential vote will be set.
Egypt's army suspended the Islamist-drafted constitution and overthrew Morsi last week, following massive protests against his rule.
The army described the move as necessary to enforce the will of the millions of people who have repeatedly demanded his resignation. But the Muslim Brotherhood says the action was a military coup.
White House spokesman Jay Carney said Monday the U.S. is concerned by the increasing violence and what he called a "dangerous level of political polarization" in Egypt. He also said cutting off aid to Egypt would not be in Washington's best interests. Egypt is the second-largest recipient of U.S. financial assistance behind Israel.
The Latest Images from Egypt
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Supporters of Egypt's ousted President Mohamed Morsi perform weekly Friday prayers at the Rabaa Adawiya square in Cairo where they are camping, July 12, 2013.
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Supporters of the ousted Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi shout anti-army slogans during a sit-in protest in Cairo July 11, 2013.
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Morsi Supporters pray after breaking their fast during Ramadan, in Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt, July 11, 2013.
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An Egyptian boy stands among Morsi supporters who are offering the Tarawih prayer after the evening meal during Ramadan, in Nasr City, Cairo, July 10, 2013.
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Supporters of ousted President Mohamed Morsi during a rally in Nasr City, Cairo, July 10, 2013.
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Supporters of ousted President Mohamed Morsi protest at the Republican Guard building in Nasr City, Cairo, July 10, 2013.
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A supporter of ousted President Mohamed Morsi joins in a protest at the Republican Guard building in Nasr City, Cairo, July 10, 2013.
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A supporter of ousted Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi reads the Koran at the Rabaa Adawiya square, Cairo, July 9, 2013.
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Supporters of ousted Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi at their camp in Rabaa Adawiy square, Cairo, July 9, 2013.
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A supporter of ousted President Mohamed Morsi with a national flag gestures to army soldiers guard at the Republican Guard building in Nasr City, Cairo, July 9, 2013.
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Members of the Muslim Brotherhood and supporters of Morsi at Republican Guard headquarters in Nasr City, Cairo, July 8, 2013.
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Supporters Morsi carry the body of a fellow supporter killed by violence outside the Republican Guard headquarters in Cairo, July 8, 2013.
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