Brussels, 01/07/2013 (Agence Europe) - As clashes, during the demonstrations in Egypt to mark the first anniversary of President Morsi's election, claimed several lives on 30 June, the EU, through High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton, called for calm. “We are calling on everyone to stay calm and to choose dialogue”, said Michael Mann in reply to a question from EUROPE. “Everyone has the right to show freedom of expression but all this must be peaceful. Violence must be avoided”, he added.
The spokesperson called on the opposition and the Egyptian government “to begin a dialogue so as to find a path for political life, and to continue the discussions to resolve the crisis”.
Several million people demonstrated throughout Egypt on 30 June and 16 were left dead - including eight in clashes between Morsi supporters and opponents. On 1 July, four ministers resigned. The Tamarrod movement has called on the president to quit before midnight on 2 July, raising the threat of “civil disobedience”. (CG/transl.fl)