China urges restoration of social stability in Egypt

BEIJING - Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying on Tuesday urged parties concerned in Egypt to restore the rule of law and order as well as social stability.

Hua made the remarks when asked to comment on the current situation in Egypt at a regular press briefing.

On Monday, Egypt's Health Ministry confirmed that at least 51 people were killed at dawn outside the Republican Guard House in Cairo's Nasr City, where ousted President Mohamed Morsi is reportedly being detained.

The dead were Morsi supporters, the Muslim Brotherhood (MB) said in a statement, accusing the security forces of firing at the protesters.

Egypt's interim President Adli Mansour on Monday evening approved a constitutional declaration for the transitional period, which is set to last six months, the state-run MENA news agency reported.

Hua said China has taken note of relevant reports. She said China is highly concerned about the evolution of the situation in Egypt.

China hopes parties concerned in Egypt could avoid violent clashes and personnel casualties, and resolve their differences through dialogue and consultation, she said.

She also urged parties concerned to restore the rule of law and order in the country and realize social stability.