Exactly one month after Egypt’s first democratically elected Islamist president was removed from office, international mediation efforts are increasing to try to mend the damaging deep political division in the country. Just hours after meeting members of Mr. Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood and its political party, the US deputy Secretary of State William Burns sat down for talks with the Egyptian foreign minister Nabil Fahmy. They were joined by the European Union’s envoy Bernardino Leon. Few official details have been given but the hope is clearly to prevent further violence and bloodshed.
Hassan Rouhani has been formally endorsed as Iran’s new president at a ceremony in Teheran. He would take the oath of office in the Iranian parliament on Sunday. In an address broadcast live on state television, Mr. Rouhani pledged his government would work to improve the economy and engage with the world.
“I have assured you this responsibility would support those people who want change, who want a better life away from corruption, poverty and discrimination, people who want more respected dignity and hope in a secure future. These are legitimate demands even though it will not be possible to realize them all straight away.”
World News from the BBC
Thousands of Tunisians have gathered at a Central Square in the capital Tunis to express their support for the governing Islamist movement Ennahda. Members of the opposition intend to hold a protest the same time. Ahmed Maher is at the government rally in Kasbah Square.