U.S. Urges Restraint in Egypt Protests

The United States on Tuesday appealed for restraint on both sides in Egypt as supporters and opponents of President Mohamed Morsi clashed during nationwide protests.

"We would simply urge that protesters express their views peacefully and that they be given the environment, if you will, to protest peacefully," State Department spokesman Mark Toner said.

Toner acknowledged that tensions were high Cairo, where thousands of people surrounded the presidential palace to denounce a decree expanding Morsi's powers and placing him beyond judicial oversight.

Riot police fire tear gas after protesters cut through barbed wire strung near the palace, but then retreated before the surging crowd, which surrounded the palace on both sides.

Toner stressed that the Egyptian people should have the opportunity to express themselves on a new constitution that is moving toward a referendum on December 15.

"In the coming days, it's going to be important that they have an opportunity to express their views, as I said, peacefully, and ultimately that they are able to express their views in a vote, in a peaceful and secure environment," Toner said.