25/01/2012 (Agence Europe) - State of emergency lifted. On Wednesday 25 January, the High Representative welcomed the decision taken by the Egyptian military council the day before to put a partial end to the state of emergency as of this 25 January, one year to the day after the start of the Egyptian revolution, and called for it to be fully lifted “as soon as possible”. “I am looking forward to the continuation of Egypt's democratic transition, allowing for a transfer to civilian rule as early as possible”, Catherine Ashton added. Stressing that the year had been a turbulent one, she stressed that the establishment of “real and deep democracy demands sustained effort and commitment” and called for fundamental socio-economic reforms. (CG/transl.fl)