Prime Minister Hesham Qandil claimed Saturday that protesters who clashed with security forces at the US Embassy in Cairo were paid to do so, and emphasized striking a balance between freedom of speech and respect for religion.
In an interview with BBC Arabic, Qandil said that the violence was unfortunate, adding, "It is unacceptable to insult our Prophet, and it is also unacceptable to have a peaceful demonstration turn violent."
Qandil also said that Egyptian authorities have taken measures to protect diplomatic missions in Egypt. Responding to US President Barack Obama's comments that Egypt "is neither an enemy nor an ally," Qandil emphasized the need for a good relationship between the two countries.
"This is a relationship that we need to make stronger based on mutual interests and, of course, respect for sovereignty,” he said.
Clashes broke out last week between security forces and protesters angered by a film produced in the US that mocks the Prophet Mohamed. According to the Health Ministry, the clashes left one dead and nearly 250 injured.
The US had said earlier that it had no links to the movie, adding that its laws protect freedom of expression.
