VOA常速英语:Obama Faces Tough Choices on EgyptCairo Merchants Seek Calm after Violence

Sharon Behn

July 08,2013

CAIRO — Egypt's fragile interim leadership is calling for calm after early morning clashes between the Muslim Brotherhood and the military left dead and wounded on the streets of Cairo. Each side is blaming the other for the violence, while shopkeepers are just hoping for a return to law and order.

People here say they are tired of the violence.

After weeks of upheaval, shopkeeper Mohamed Ali Mohamed says he just wants life to return to normal.

"As an Egyptian, of course, I am very worried and concerned about what is happening in Cairo, and hope and pray to God that stability is restored," he said.

Many people here support the military and Egypt's Interim President Adly Mansour.

Hajj Hosni Mahmoud, who owns a coffee shop, says no-one can impose their will on the Egyptian people.

“We will appoint a prime minister, and we have a president, we have a coalition, and we will do what we want, despite what anybody else wants. We are Egyptians and we are free," he said.

The interim president and the military have called for restraint after Monday's bloody clashes between Egyptian soldiers and supporters of ousted President Mohamed Moursi. The Egyptian Health Ministry says more than 50 people were killed in the clashes.

The Muslim Brotherhood says the military attacked first, a charge the military has denied.

Brotherhood supporter Mohamed Rasmy says those killed were murdered by the military.

“They do not want us to take our president back after the coup happened. So, they want to get rid of us, but we did not expect them to murder us. We just expected them to, you know, throw some gas grenades or water - not to murder us," he said.

Some accuse the army of opening fire while they were praying in front of Republican Guard headquarters, where some believe ousted President Mohamed Moursy is being held.