Turkish President Abdullah Gul called for "common sense", urging the release of Egypt's ousted President Mohamed Morsi, following Wednesday's deadly police move to disperse by force the major pro-Morsi sit-ins in Cairo and in Giza.
"What we have feared the most is happening in Egypt now. What is happening in Egypt today is unacceptable. Assault on protesters and civilians are unacceptable," said Gul. "No matter what reasons might be, these assaults might have grave consequences."
Gul expressed concerned that Egypt will sink into chaos if unrest continues in the country. He also called on Egyptian officials to release Morsi adding transparent and fair elections must be held immediately.
At least 163 people were killed and over 7,000 injured in the forcible dispersal of the two major pro-Morsi sit-ins in Cairo and Giza, sources said.
But Mohamed al-Beltagi, a leading figure of the Muslim Brotherhood and its Freedom and Justice Party, said more than 300 people had been killed in the dispersal of the sit-ins.
Supporters of Morsi have been camped out at Nahda Square and Rabaa al-Adawiya Square since he was ousted on July 3, demanding his reinstatement.
Gul was speaking at a press appearance in Istanbul prior to his departure for Azerbaijan where he is set to attend the 3rd summit meeting of the Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States.
Member countries of the Cooperation Council including Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkey will gather to discuss steps to be taken in the field of transport in the Azerbaijani city of Qebele, on August 15 and 16.
