Spokesman Sees Peace in Region Beneficial to Iran, Egypt

“The Egyptian nation is civilization-builder and a  great nation in the Middle East and the Islamic world. The two Iranian and Egyptian nations are regarded as two great powers in the Islamic world and peace and stability in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf region will serve the interests of both countries,” Araqchi told Tasnim today.

The Foreign Ministry spokesman also expressed the hope that an end to current conflicts and violence in Egypt and the establishment of tranquility in the country in the near future would result in good relations between Tehran and Cairo.

Many Iranian officials have so far expressed concern about the ongoing crisis in Egypt.

In relevant remarks on August 9, Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei had expressed concern about the tense conditions in Egypt, and said, “The possibility of outbreak of civil war in this country (Egypt) has increased, and this is a tragedy.”

Emphasizing the need for democracy in the North African country, the Leader stated that crisis in Egypt should be resolved by the Egyptians alone, and also dismissed any foreign interference in the Muslim country.

Last Wednesday at least 638 people died when the security forces cleared two protest camps in Cairo, a move that drew international condemnation.

Two days later, at least 173 people were killed in clashes between supporters of deposed president Mohamed Mursi and the security forces.