France Condemns Egypt Deaths, Calls for Vote as Planned

France on Monday condemned the killing of pro-democracy protesters in Egypt and called for elections to be held as planned next week in order for the country's democratic transition to succeed.

"France is deeply concerned by the clashes in recent days. It condemns the violence that led to the deaths of over 20 demonstrators," foreign ministry spokesman Bernard Valero told journalists.

The death toll from three days of clashes on Cairo's Tahrir Square between police and protesters demanding the end of military rule rose to 22 on Monday.

Egypt is on November 28 to hold its first parliamentary elections since protests ended President Hosni Mubarak's 30-year rule in February, paving the way for the military to cede power to a civilian authority.

"France reiterates its support for the pursuit of the democratic transformation in Egypt, which should in 2012 result in the transfer of power to elected legislative and executive civilian authorities," Valero said.

"Respect for democratic principles as well as preserving the gains of the Egyptian revolution in terms of human rights will allow Egypt to restore stability, the confidence of economic actors and install a rule of law in accordance with the hopes of the Egyptian people.

"The holding of transparent elections on the planned dates is primordial for the planned democratic transition to succeed," Valero said.