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Morsi Ouster Brings World Concern, Support


Members of the military hold their weapons atop a vehicle, on a road leading to the Raba El-Adwyia mosque square where supporters of Egypt's deposed President Mohamed Morsi are camping, in Cairo, July 4, 2013.
Members of the military hold their weapons atop a vehicle, on a road leading to the Raba El-Adwyia mosque square where supporters of Egypt's deposed President Mohamed Morsi are camping, in Cairo, July 4, 2013.
President Barack Obama has ordered a review of U.S. aid to Egypt, after that country's military ousted democratically elected President Mohamed Morsi.

In a statement, the president said he was "deeply concerned" about the military's decision and called for a return to democracy as soon as possible in Egypt, a long-time U.S. ally. He also urged Egypt's military to ensure that the rights of civilians are protected during the transition.

United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon described the upheaval in Egypt as a "volatile situation" and called for a return to civilian rule "as soon as possible." He said he continues to stand with the aspirations of the Egyptian people.

Turkey, an ally of Egypt that recently struggled with its own anti-government protests, expressed concern. At a Thursday news conference, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said Morsi's ouster by the military was "unacceptable" and "extremely alarming."

The party of Tunisia's president condemned the Egyptian military's ouster of Mohamed Morsi as a blow to democracy.

Leaders in Saudi Arabia, however, sent messages of congratulations to Egypt. Qatar said it will continue to support the will of the Egyptian people.

The United Arab Emirates also voiced support for the transition. UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahayan congratulated Egyptian chief justice Adly Mansour, who has been sworn in as Egypt's interim leader.

Embattled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad welcomed the removal of Morsi. In a state media report, he said that after Morsi's year in office the Egyptian people had uncovered what he called the "lies" made by the ousted leader's Muslim Brotherhood movement.

Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.

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