EU Diplomat Tries to Mediate in Egypt's Tensions Europe's top diplomat urged Egypt's interim government to reach out to the Muslim Brotherhood as she worked Monday to mediate an end to the country's increasingly bloody crisis, while the mainly Islamist protesters calling for the return of ousted leader Mohammed Morsi massed for more protests. It was European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton's second visit to Cairo since Islamist President Mohammed Morsi was toppled by the military nearly a month ago, underscoring the urgency felt after violence that has killed more than 260 people. But any hope of political reconciliation appears distant, with repeated street battles. At least 83 Morsi supporters were killed in clashes with security forces early Saturday near the site of their main Cairo sit-in. Security officials have spoken of taking the potentially more explosive step of clearing that sit-in and others by Islamists. So far, Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood and its allies have rejected any dealings with the military-backed civilian government set up after the army removed the president. They say the only solution is for Morsi to be returned to office. The government, meanwhile, is pushing ahead with a transition plan supposed to lead to new elections early next year. At the same time, security officials and pro-military media have increasingly depicted the Islamists' protests as a threat to public safety because of armed men among the rallies. Ashton met separately with the two sides. After their talks with her, a delegation of Islamist politicians representing the pro-Morsi camp said those now in power must take the first step toward any reconciliation by releasing jailed Brotherhood leaders and stopping media campaigns against Islamists. "Creating the atmosphere requires those in authority now to send messages of reassurance," Mohammed Mahsoub, of the Islamist Wasat Party, told reporters. Everyone is looking for a solution. We urge everyone to think ... because this is the moment of solutions. Speaking alongside a Brotherhood official and another Islamist politician, he did not mention the demand of Morsi's return, though he appeared to be sticking by it by saying any solution must be on a "constitutional basis." Undeterred by the weekend's bloodshed, the Brotherhood gathered supporters for more rallies outside security facilities on Monday evening during which they plan to carry empty coffins as a symbol of their dead. They have also called for another round of mass protests Tuesday under the banner "Martyrs of the Coup," and have set up a tent a block away from their main sit-in for prayers for those killed over the weekend. The Interior Ministry has vowed to take decisive action against anyone who violates state property, raising fears of more bloodshed. The Brotherhood has called the clashes Saturday a "massacre." Human Rights Watch and field doctors interviewed by The Associated Press said many were killed by gunshots to the head and chest. The Interior Ministry its policemen only fired tear gas, though witnesses say security forces also used live ammunition and birdshot. Police moved in on the protesters after they sought to expand their sit-in onto a nearby boulevard, blocking it. Security officials said Monday that a police captain died of wounds sustained during those clashes after being hit in the eye with birdshot from protesters. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media.