Egypt presidency says foreign mediation was not successful

Western and Arab efforts to mediate an end to Egypt’s political deadlock have failed, the presidency said Aug.7, signalling a possible crackdown on Islamists that has sparked fears of more carnage.

The statement came hours after US Deputy Secretary of State William Burns left Cairo, having made no headway in finding a compromise between the army-installed government and supporters of deposed Islamist president Mohammed Morsi.

“The phase of diplomatic efforts has ended today,” the presidency said, referring to mediation by Burns and EU envoy Bernardino Leon, who were among other diplomats who had travelled to Cairo.

“These efforts have not achieved the hoped for results,” the statement added.