Forward Thinking Statement on Egypt, August 14th

Forward Thinking endorses the global condemnation of the excessive use of force on the streets of many Egyptian cities yesterday, 14th August. Over the past nine months we helped to facilitate an inter-party dialogue in Egypt aimed at achieving sufficient consensus between the secular and religious parties. Despite their legitimate differences, mutual fears and suspicions, we were confident that the political leaders would be able to work through these challenges to achieve a level of political stability that is essential to achieve the economic development the country urgently needs. Despite the events of the past days, which were described by US Secretary of State John Kerry as "deplorable" and  "a real blow to reconciliation efforts", we remain committed to working alongside the Egyptian people to help them to achieve the level of stability and development to which they aspire.