Brussels, 04/12/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 3 December, the Special Representative for the Southern Mediterranean, Bernardino León, stressed that the EU can play an important role in finding a solution to the current crisis in Egypt. He informed the European Parliament foreign affairs committee that, “I insist from our point of view; more Europe, more involvement, more engagement and working very close with those trying to lay bridges and find solutions,” to reach a consensus and an inclusive process. He also explained that, “the European Union is in a unique position; it is probably the only important actor in the international community that has such a tool as the task force,” which gives us this responsibility. This “marks the path we have to follow in the coming days”. He also added that the External Action Service (EAS) and MEPs can play, “a very important role”.
The Special Representative explained that the EU message is clear: a strong consensus needs to be forged between all the different political forces, in order to obtain an agreement at a legal level to avoid any institutional confrontation and that the constitutional process is put back on track and respects the independence of the judiciary and human rights. He also explained, however, that EU action is quite complex because the Egyptians are still very concerned about possible interference from abroad. He explained that we have to play our role very diplomatically, and the role of the EU is not to say what it wants to obtain but to support the Egyptian initiative. Léon asserted that our role is to accompany Egypt, and in this connection he referred to the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton. He also underlined the fact that similarly to the High Representative and EAS, he is in contact with the president, the minister for foreign affairs, the main political parties, the institutions and civil society.
The Special Representative explained that for the time being there is no question of freezing or cancelling aid to Egypt, which was decided during the task force meeting. In response to MEPs questions on the subject, Léon affirmed that it is not an appropriate climate for introducing sanctions. He said that they would look at the situation in a few weeks time and the EAS will see what possibilities there are and what decisions will be taken; but that they are waiting for the right moment. He also pointed out that all the aid is subject to conditions, this it is not optional. He pointed out that the EU/Egypt task force on 13-14 November had arrived at a key point and that the Egyptians had perfectly understood what they needed to do to obtain European aid and what they should not do. (CG/transl.fl)