Brussels, 21/11/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Sunday 20 and Monday 21 November, European leaders called for calm to be restored in Egypt following the riots and violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces in the country, especially in Tahrir Square, Cairo, over the weekend. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton said: “I am extremely concerned”, and “I urge calm and restraint and condemn the use of violence in the strongest terms. (…) Citizens and political parties' demands that the transition move forward and safeguard the principles of democracy must be listened to”.
French, British, Italian and German foreign ministers have also called for calm. The people of Egypt hope elections will take place and that the ruling military authorities will give up power. (CG/transl.jl)