In this Friday, July 26, 2013, photo released on Saturday, July 27, by Egyptian army, opponents of Egypt's ousted President Mohammed Morsi protest at Tahrir Square during a protest in Cairo, Egypt. Security forces clashed with supporters of Egypt's ousted president early Saturday in the country's bloodiest incidence of violence since the military deposed Morsi. (AP Photo/Hossam Diab, Egyptian army)
In this Friday, July 26, 2013, photo released on Saturday, July 27, by Egyptian army, opponents of Egypt's ousted President Mohammed Morsi protest at Tahrir Square during a protest in Cairo, Egypt. Security forces clashed with supporters of Egypt's ousted president early Saturday in the country's bloodiest incidence of violence since the military deposed Morsi. (AP Photo/Hossam Diab, Egyptian army)
WASHINGTON (AP) ? As violence in Egypt turned increasingly deadly Saturday, Secretary of State John Kerry said the Mideast nation was at "a pivotal moment" more than two years since the uprising ousted the longtime President Hosni Mubarak.
Clashes between security forces and supporters of democratically elected President Mohammed Morsi in eastern Cairo early Saturday left at least 65 protesters dead. The Islamist-led protests over Morsi's removal earlier this month followed nationwide rallies on Friday that drew millions in support of military-backed authorities.
In 2011 a revolution ended Mubarak's rule and brought Morsi to power last year as Egypt's first democratically elected leader. Military authorities toppled Morsi last month, calling into question the future of democracy in Egypt and the nature of the U.S.-Egyptian partnership in the region.
The U.S. has not taken sides but for weeks has called for peaceful protests and calm responses.
The Obama administration has avoided defining the ouster of Morsi as a coup. Under federal law, U.S. assistance must be suspended if a country's democratic government is overthrown by military force. Egypt received $1.5 billion a year in aid from the U.S., nearly all of it for the military.
"This is a pivotal moment for Egypt," Kerry said in a statement. "Over two years ago, a revolution began. Its final verdict is not yet decided, but it will be forever impacted by what happens right now. In this extremely volatile environment, Egyptian authorities have a moral and legal obligation to respect the right of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. Both are essential components of the inclusive democratic process they have publicly embraced."
Kerry said the continued violence sets back efforts of "reconciliation and democratization," and affects regional stability. The U.S. is urging "an independent and impartial inquiry" and that political leaders must help their country "take a step back from the brink," he said.
"A meaningful political dialogue, for which interim government officials have themselves called, requires participants who represent all the political parts of Egyptian society," Kerry said. "To enable such a dialogue, the United States reiterates our call for an end to politicized detentions and the release of political leaders consistent with the law."
On Saturday, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel spoke by phone with Egypt's defense minister to express deep concern over the violence and to encourage restraint, a Pentagon spokesman said.
"The United States believes that the current transition needs to be marked by inclusivity, that Egyptian authorities should avoid politicized arrests and detentions, and take steps to prevent further bloodshed and loss of life," Pentagon press secretary George Little said. "It is in the short- and long-term interests of the Egyptian people to renew their path toward democratic transition, and to emphasize tolerance across the political spectrum."
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