Brussels, 28/06/2013 (Agence Europe) - Given the demonstrations planned on the 30 June in Egypt on the occasion of the first anniversary of the election of President Morsi, the EU is calling on all parties to respect the principle of peaceful protest and non-violence, Michael Mann, the spokesperson to the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Catherine Ashton, told EUROPE on 27 June. The EU has also called on the parties for “greater efforts by all sides to build trust and work towards inclusiveness and reconciliation”.
He stated that the European Union “took note” of the speech made by President Morsi on 26 June, “mentioning elements such as the national reconciliation commission, which could serve as a basis for more inclusiveness”. The spokesperson, echoing the words of High Representative Catherine Ashton addressing the MEPs of the committee on foreign affairs of the European Parliament on 27 June, stressed that the EU would continue to stand by Egypt on its path to democratic transition.
Ashton stated that “the interests of the country” are paramount, adding that “what happens in the next few days will be extremely important”. “It is important to support civil society, but the most important thing is that people express themselves peacefully”, she added, going on to say that the demonstrations would be closely monitored by teams of the EU and the member states on the ground. The high representative reiterated that “elections do not constitute democracy, being elected is only a part of it (…). It is more vital than ever to be committed to Egypt”.
One person was killed and more than 230 injured following clashes between pro- and anti-Morsi demonstrators in the north of the country on 26 June. (CG/transl.fl)