Brussels, 24/01/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 23 January, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton congratulated Dr Saad Al-Katatny on his appointment as Speaker of the People's Assembly in Egypt following its first session that day. “I hope that the parliament will drive on the democratic reforms to meet the expectations of the Egyptian people for social rights, economic growth and fundamental freedoms”, Ashton said, wishing the elected members of parliament every success in their work.
“I am looking forward to the upcoming elections to the Shura Council due to start on 29 January”, Catherine Ashton said, pointing out that it is “vital that the authorities stick to their commitment to hold presidential elections by the end of June this year”.
Saad al-Katatny of the Muslim Brotherhood, who is aged 59, won 399 votes out of 496. During a speech, he underlined his wish to build a “new Egypt, a constitutional Egypt, that is democratic and modern”, recalling that “democracy will be the source” of the parliament's strength. (CG/transl.jl)