WASHINGTON, July 27 (Reuters) - Egypt's security forces must respect the rights of peaceful demonstrators, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said on Sunday, saying the country was at a "pivotal moment" after scores of protesters were killed in the last day.

"At this critical juncture, it is essential that the security forces and the interim government respect the right of peaceful protest, including the ongoing sit-in demonstrations," Kerry said in a statement. "This is a pivotal moment for Egypt." (Reporting by Arshad Mohammed; editing by Jackie Frank)