Thursday morning, from his Martha’s Vineyard vacation home, President Obama delivered his first statement about the political uproar and killings taking place in Egypt. Obama began his briefing by recognizing the long-standing relationship between America and Egypt, which he said is backed by respect for the middle eastern paradigm of peace and civilization.

“Just over two years ago, America was inspired by the [Egyptian people’s] desire for change as millions took to the streets to defend their dignity and demand a government that was responsive to their aspirations for political freedom and economic opportunity,” Obama’s Federal News Service transcript read.

“And we said at the time that change would not come quickly or easily, but we did align ourselves with a set of principles: nonviolence, a respect for universal rights, and a process for political and economic reform,” he continued.

State of Emergency

Wednesday, Egyptian police forces raided Morsi supporter camps inciting clashes that resulted in the death of more than 500, including civilians and police officers. According to the most recent Health Ministry reports, close to four thousand sustained injuries. Though streets were calm Thursday afternoon, a government issued state of emergency and curfew is still in effect, USA Today reported. The month-long precaution is one that Obama said should be lifted to encourage peaceful protest and “national reconciliation.”

According to a report by Marketplace World, international interest in Egypt’s economy was on the rise just before Wednesday’s Muslim Brotherhood labeled “massacre.” Stock markets and banks in the country closed following outbreaks of violence. Marketplace World quoted journalist Kimberly Adams who said stocks fell 1.7 percent Wednesday — a downturn that again will stifle international confidence.

President Obama noted that although Mohammed Morsi was elected in a democratic election, all members of the former president’s government did not reflect democratic values, nor did they respect the views of the Egyptian people — a misfortune Obama deemed more concerning than the state of emergency.

“The United States strongly condemns the steps that have been taken by Egypt’s interim government and security forces. We deplore violence against civilians. We support universal rights essential to human dignity, including the right to peaceful protest,” Obama said. “We oppose the pursuit of martial law, which denies those rights to citizens under the principle that security trumps individual freedom or that might makes right. And today the United States extends its condolences to the families of those who were killed and those who were wounded.”

Interim Government Mishap, Resignation

U.S. support and “engagement” with Egypt will continue, Obama said, as he believes that the country can “transition back to a democratically elected civilian government.” The September scheduled U.S.-Egypt biannual military exercise, however, has been canceled.

“While we want to sustain our relationship with Egypt, our traditional cooperation cannot continue as usual when civilians are being killed in the streets and rights are being rolled back,” Obama said.

U.S. national security team officials have been instructed to supervise further action of Egypt’s interim government. Following Wednesday’s crackdown, interim Vice President Mohamed ElBaradei resigned as he expressed opposition of the government crackdown.

“It has become difficult for me to continue bearing responsibility for decisions that I do not agree with and whose consequences I fear,” ElBaradei wrote in a letter, Fox News reported. “I cannot bear the responsibility for one drop of blood.”

Blame and Hope

Obama’s closing remarks paralleled with ElBaradei’s statement as he said America cannot be blamed for the recent happenings in Egypt. While the U.S. is a hugely influential supporter of the nation, Egypt’s transformation and ultimate progress does not rest on the shoulders of America, Obama said.

“America cannot determine the future of Egypt. That’s a task for the Egyptian people. We don’t take sides with any particular party or political figure……..We’ve been blamed by supporters of Morsi; we’ve been blamed by the other side as if we are supporters of Morsi,” Obama concluded.

“That kind of approach will do nothing to help Egyptians achieve the future that they deserve. We want Egypt to succeed. We want a peaceful, democratic, prosperous Egypt. That’s our interest. But to achieve that, the Egyptians are going to have to do the work.”