"I am extremely concerned at the riots and violent clashes witnessed in Egypt, notably in Tahrir square over the weekend," the EU`s foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said in a statement.
"I deplore the loss of life and the many injuries and express my solidarity with the families of the victims. I urge calm and restraint and condemn the use of violence in the strongest terms," she added.
Security forces killed at least seven people in Tahrir Square Sunday, casting a dark shadow over Egypt`s first elections since Hosni Mubarak`s downfall, due on November 28.
Police and military forces used batons, tear gas and birdshot to clear the central square of thousands of protesters who are demanding that the ruling military cede power to a civilian authority.
It was the second day of violence in the Egyptian capital and in other parts of the country protesters also clashed with the security forces.
"There is no doubt that the transitional process is a difficult and challenging one," Ashton said in her statement.
"I have expressed my concern in the past about the emergency law and the ongoing military trials.
"Law and order must be ensured in a manner respectful of human rights," she added.
"Citizens and political parties` demands that the transition moves forward and safeguards the principles of democracy must be listened to."
Protesters have been chanting against the ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) and calling for the overthrow of Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi, Mubarak`s long-time defence minister, who heads it.
The SCAF in a statement read out on state television said it "regretted" what was happening, and said it was committed to the elections timetable.
The military has said it will hand over power after a presidential election, which has yet to be scheduled. (*)
Editor: Kunto Wibisono
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
