Egypt's interim PM Hazem Beblawi has defended the deadly operation to break up protest camps in Cairo, saying the authorities had to restore security.
Mr Beblawi said it was not an easy decision to disperse the supporters of deposed President Mohammed Morsi.
The government, which has declared a state of emergency, said 235 civilians had been killed nationwide.
The Muslim Brotherhood, which backed the protests, says more than 2,000 people have died in the violence.
Correspondents in Cairo also report seeing many dead, but figures differ widely and have been impossible to verify independently.
Police have now taken control of the camps in the capital and are reported to have arrested key Brotherhood leaders.
Police 'professional'
In a televised address, Mr Beblawi expressed regret for the loss of life and said the state of national emergency would be lifted as soon as possible.
The measure, scheduled to last for a month, imposes a curfew in Cairo and several other provinces between 19:00 local time (17:00 GMT) and 06:00.
Mr Beblawi also said police had been given instructions not to use weapons to disperse protesters.
Interior Minister Mohammed Ibrahim said the police had "dealt professionally" with the protesters, and that 43 police personnel had been killed in violence across the country.
He accused the pro-Morsi protesters of building "fortifications" and "firing birdshot" at the police forces.
The protest sites had been infiltrated by armed gangs, he said, and ammunition had been seized from them.
Across the country, members of the Muslim Brotherhood had been arrested and were being interrogated, Mr Ibrahim said.
In the wake of the violence, Vice-President Mohammed ElBaradei has announced his resignation from the interim government.
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- Unknown Updated at: Thursday, August 15, 2013
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