In a joint² statement, they said the Egyptian government bore a special responsibility to begin this process. 

 

The army-backed government says it will break up sit-ins in Cairo being held by supporters of ousted³ President Morsi.

 

Scores have died in unrest since Mohammed Morsi was ousted on 3 July.

 

Since then, diplomats⁴ from the US, EU, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have all tried to bring Egypt's political process back on track.

 

But on Wednesday the office of interim President Adly Mansour declared in a statement that the "phase of diplomatic efforts has ended today".

 

"These efforts have not achieved the hoped-for results," said the statement.

 

The presidency⁵ said it held the Muslim Brotherhood⁶ - which backs Mr Morsi - "completely responsible for the failure of these efforts".

 

The government statement came hours after US Deputy Secretary of State William Burns left Egypt following several days of mediation⁷ talks. He was assisted by EU envoy⁸ Bernardino Leon.

 

Shortly afterwards, US Secretary of State John Kerry and EU High Representative Catherine Ashton issued a joint statement.

 

"While further violent confrontations⁹ have thus far been avoided, we remain concerned and troubled that government and opposition¹⁰ leaders have not yet found a way to break a dangerous stalemate and agree to implement¹¹ tangible¹² confidence building measures," they said.

 

"The Egyptian government bears a special responsibility to begin this process to ensure the safety and welfare of its citizens," the statement continued.

 

"This remains¹³ a very fragile situation, which holds not only the risk of more bloodshed and polarisation in Egypt, but also impedes¹⁴ the economic recovery which is so essential for Egypt's successful transition.

 

"Now is not the time to assess blame, but to take steps that can help initiate¹⁵ a dialogue and move the transition forward."

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