Political tension in Egypt reaches new high as compromises sought (update)

As highly polarized political groups clashed outside the presidential palace, 7 people were killed in the escalating confrontations. The Egyptian army has been called in to maintain separation between the demonstrators in support of or opposed to the national constitutional referendum currently scheduled for December 15th. Travellers should be very cautious in Cairo and other Egyptian cities and avoid all public and political demonstrations since they are likely to become violent.