US, Egypt cooperation cannot continue while civilians killed: Obama

ISTANBUL

U.S. President Barack Obama makes a statement to the media regarding events in Egypt, from his rental vacation home on the island of Martha's Vineyard, Aug. 15. AP photo

U.S. President Barack Obama condemned Aug. 15 the bloody crackdown on the supporters of the toppled President Mohamed Morsi in Egypt, warning the interim rulers that the alliance between both countries would result damaged as civilians are continuing being targeted by the security forces. 

“Our traditional cooperation with Egypt cannot continue when civilians are being killed in the streets and rights are being rolled back,” President Obama said during a press conference in Martha’s Vineyard where he is on vacation, while he announced that the United States had informed Egyptian authorities it had canceled a joint military drill named "Bright Star" that had been scheduled for next month.

The drill, dating back to 1981, is seen as a cornerstone of U.S.-Egyptian military relations and began after the Camp David Peace Accords between Egypt and Israel. 

Obama also described the crackdown as a “serious blow” to reconciliation between parties, adding that the people of Egypt deserve better than the rampant violence in the country. 

"The Egyptian people deserve better than what we've seen over the last several days. And to the Egyptian people, let me say: the cycle of violence and escalation needs to stop."

Obama said that the state of emergency declared by the interim government on Aug. 14 should be lifted, but also stressed that the U.S. does not take sides with any party or political figure in Egypt.