US President Barack Obama today called on all parties in Egypt to show restraint in mass protests against President Mohamed Morsi, and specifically warned against attacks on women.
"Everybody has to show restraint," Obama said at a press conference in Tanzania, adding that "for those who are participating in these protests or marches, assaulting women does not qualify as peaceful protests".
Egypt's opposition earlier today gave Morsi a day to quit or face civil disobedience after deadly protests demanded the country's first democratically elected president step down after just a year in office.
Obama did not take a position on whether it was time for Morsi to go, but called on his government to reach out to the opposition and work through a legitimate process, and to observe the rule of law.
"What is clear right now is that although Mr Morsi was elected democratically, there is more work to be done to create the conditions in which everybody feels their voices are heard," Obama said.
