Egypt concerned about 'baseless' U.S. statement

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CAIRO, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Egyptian presidency on Friday expressed concern about an earlier statement by U.S. President Barack Obama, which it says is "baseless" and will strengthen and encourage violent groups.

Egypt is facing "terrorist" acts targeting vital governmental institutions and public facilities, including churches, courts and police stations, the presidency said in a statement early Friday to clarify the situation in Egypt in response to Obama's remarks.

The presidency said it is worried about Obama's statement, which is not based on facts and will strengthen violent militant groups and encourage them in their actions to sabotage stability and democratic transition and cripple the implementation of the roadmap aimed at restoring stability in the nation.

The Egyptian presidency followed closely Obama's statement on Egypt's situation and appreciated the U.S. interest in the recent developments in the country, but "the presidency wants to put things in the right context," the statement said.

It added that militant groups have targeted both human and cultural facilities of Egypt including libraries, museums and educational buildings.

The presidency also expressed sorrow for the victims who died during the dispersal operation at two major sites where supporters of ousted President Mohamed Morsi sat in for more than 45 days.

The cabinet works hard to restore stability and security, the statement pointed out, stressing "it is fully responsible for protecting the nation and the citizens."

The presidency statement came after Obama "strongly condemned" on Thursday the steps taken by the Egyptian interim government and security forces, and announced the cancellation of joint military exercises in his first response to extensive use of force against pro-Morsi protesters in Egypt.

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