Turkey calls for peace in Egypt

ANKARA: Expressing concern at the violence during the weeklong protests in Egypt, Turkey has urged both the Egyptian government and opposition groups to maintain peace in the country.

"Egypt has a key importance for peace and stability in the entire region. That's why we want peace and stability in the country immediately and we expect sides to refrain from violence," Turkish government spokesperson and Deputy Prime Minister Cemil Cicek said.

"We think the Egyptian people should be allowed to express their demands through democracy and non-violent ways and to use their fundamental rights and freedoms in line with laws," Xinhua quoted Cicek as having said after the Turkish cabinet meeting over the situation in Egypt and Tunisia Monday.

Cicek said Turkey hoped protestors should stay away from any acts that could destroy the country's cultural heritage and places of worship.

"We do not approve violence or looting," he added.

According to media reports, more than 150 people have been killed and hundreds injured in several Egyptian cities where demonstrators have been demanding the removal of the 30-year-old rule of President Hosni Mubarak.