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Middle East and North Africa

Curfew may be imposed in Egypt within hours

The measure would be taken in order to stop mass riots that have spread across the country on Wednesday after police began a crackdown on Islamists

Photo EPA/ITAR-TASS

Photo EPA/ITAR-TASS

CAIRO, August 14 (Itar-Tass) - A curfew may be imposed in Cairo and in other cities of Egypt within the next few hours, Al Youm al Sabia news portal reports referring to an army source.

It said the measure would be taken in order to stop mass riots that have spread across the country on Wednesday after police began a crackdown on Islamists in the capital.

Meanwhile, the Russian Consulate in Cairo works in a normal mode, but there is no reception on Wednesday, as reported by an official of the Russian Embassy in Egypt.

“The consulate continues its work, but today there is no reception,” the diplomat said. “This is not in compliance with the schedule. Tomorrow reception of citizens will begin as scheduled.”

Earlier some media reported that the Russian Consulate suspended reception of citizens over ongoing clashes in Cairo between police and supporters of Egypt’s ousted President Mohamed Morsi.

A spokesperson for the Russian Federal Tourism Agency (Rosturizm) reported that the situation at Egyptian resorts where dozens of thousands of Russian tourists are spending holidays remains calm.

Irina Shchegolkova said the agency was well aware about a new wave of unrest in the country. “The situation remains calm at Red Sea resorts, and there is no danger for the Russian nationals staying there,” she said.

She added, however, that “Rosturizm confirms its recommendation to the Russian tourists staying in that country to avoid visiting areas of mass protest actions and social tension and to refrain from trips outside the resort zones”. “We once again urge the Russian nationals not to go to sightseeing tours outside the resort zones, as this may be unsafe,” she added.

Shchegolkova said “Rosturizm has received no alarming telephone calls today from Russian tourists on a holiday in Egypt”.

On Wednesday, Egyptian law enforcement agencies have cracked down on supporters of deposed President Mohammed Morsi in Cairo. Street fighting is in progress there at the moment, and unrest has reached other cities of Egypt. The number of casualties has exceeded 20 people.

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