07/01/2013 (Agence Europe) - Referendum on draft constitution. Following publication of the referendum results on the Egyptian constitution, the EU High Representative, Catherine Ashton, on 25 December, reiterated her calls for dialogue between the different parties in Egypt, “in order to make further progress toward deep and sustainable democracy”, given the continuing need to pursue consensus-building and inclusion. She urged all those concerned, and “in particular the president, to intensify efforts in this regard”. She welcomed the peaceful and orderly environment in which the referendum on the draft constitution took place on 15-22 December and took note of the majority that voted in favour of this constitution, whilst highlighting that voter turn-out had been 33%. The draft constitution was approved by 63.8% of voters at a time when the country is experiencing a period of political crisis. (CG/transl.fl)