France calls for Morsi's release

France on Tuesday called for the release of Egypt’s ousted president Mohamed Morsi. Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius described the situation on the country as “very critical”.

Muslim Brotherhood supporters call for Morsi's release from detention

"We condemn the violence... We call for dialogue and for the release of president Morsi," Laurent Fabius told reporters in Paris. "The situation is very critical. We call for the rejection of violence and for the release of political prisoners including former president Morsi."

Fabius was due to talk to European Union policy chief Catherine Ashton, who is visiting Egypt, by phone later on Tuesday.

On Tuesday she became the first foreign dignitary to meet Morsi since he was detained by the military amid mass demonstrations against his government.

Morsi’s supporters have since taken to the streets to demand his reinstatement and a number have been killed by the army.

Ashton called for an end to the violence and a political transition that would include the Muslim Brotherhood, the organisation that provides Morsi’s base.