Al-Azhar Grand Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayyeb said on Wednesday he was only informed about the dispersal of the sit-ins in Rabaa al-Adaweya and al-Nahda squares through the media.
He emphasized his rejection of violence and bloodshed, calling on everyone to raise the national interest above anything else.
In a statement on Wednesday, Tayyeb expressed his disappointment of the killing of victims and said he knew about the dispersal of the sit-in only through the media. He also called on everyone not to get al-Azhar involved in the ongoing incidents.
Al-Azhar also warned against violence, saying it cannot be an alternative to political choices. He also urged dialogue.
Tayyeb also called on everyone to work on achieving comprehensive reconciliation.
Security troops started on Wednesday to disperse the sit-in held by Morsy supporters in Rabaa al-Adaweya and al-Nahda squares. Clashes have erupted, leaving many people dead and injured.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
