European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton expressed her concern Wednesday over the recent violence in Egypt.

"I was deeply concerned by last weekend's violent clashes in Egypt and yesterday's terror attacks in Sinai and Ismailiya. I extend my condolences to the victims and their families," Ashton said in a statement.

More than 50 people were killed as Muslim Brotherhood's supporters clashed with security forces and opponents of Muslim Brotherhood in different parts of Egypt on Sunday during celebrations of the 40th anniversary of the Egyptian victory over Israel in 1973.

On Monday, six army soldiers were killed in an attack on the city of Ismailiya, while two other soldiers were killed in another attack on Sinai. A third attack targeted uplink telecome facility in Cairo district of Maadi.

In her statement, Ashton pointed out that the clashes clearly show that there is a great deal of polarization and mistrust, adding that this only can be overcome when all sides commit to a political process, "defined and agreed by Egyptians themselves."

Ashton said that she saw some potential for this to happen during her visit to Egypt last week, adding the EU will continue to support the Egyptian people in this process.

During her last visit to Egypt, Ashton met with Egyptian interim government officials as well as representatives of the NGOs, political movements and representatives from Muslim Brotherhood. Endi

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