US-EU call for end to dangerous political stalemate in Egypt

The United States and the European Union have called on all sides in Egypt to end 'the dangerous political stalemate'.

The call from the US and EU comes after Egypt's interim government said foreign mediation had failed.

According to the BBC, in a joint statement, they said the Egyptian government bore a special responsibility to begin this process.

Diplomats from the US, EU, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have all tried to bring Egypt's political process back on track.

But on Wednesday the office of interim President Adly Mansour declared that the phase of diplomatic efforts has ended.

The presidency said it held Morsi-backed Muslim Brotherhood completely responsible for the failure of these efforts.

The government statement came hours after US Deputy Secretary of State William Burns left Egypt following several days of mediation talks.

Shortly afterwards, US Secretary of State John Kerry and EU High Representative Catherine Ashton issued a joint statement.

They said that though further violent confrontations have been avoided, they are concerned and troubled that government and opposition leaders have not yet found a way to break a dangerous stalemate and agree to implement tangible confidence building measures.

It continued that the Egyptian government bears a special responsibility to begin this process to ensure the safety and welfare of its citizens.