Brussels, 03/07/2013 (Agence Europe) - Following the situation in Egypt “very closely” and with “deep” concern, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton urged all parties, on 3 July, to show restraint. She reiterated her call “to respect the principle of peaceful protest and non-violence”. “Confrontation cannot be a solution”, she stressed. “The only solution to the present impasse can only be political on the basis of a substantial and inclusive dialogue as wished by the Egyptian people, and founded on democratic principles and respect for fundamental rights.”
Ashton reiterated the EU's “steadfast commitment” to support the Egyptians in their endeavour towards democratic transition, and she offered European support to help all political forces to find a peaceful solution.
Welcoming the “peaceful” manner in which most demonstrations have been conducted thus far, Ashton said the continuing cases of sexual abuse of female protesters were “deeply troubling”. She also offered her “deepest condolences” to the families of those killed in the demonstrations and hoped that those injured would recover quickly.
During the last week, over 47 people have died in the confrontations between those who support Egypt's President Morsi and those who are against him. Twenty-three of the 47 dead were killed in violent clashes in Cairo just during the night of 2-3 July. On Tuesday 2 July, Morsi ruled out his early departure from office, saying he was ready to give his life to preserve his legitimacy. He called on the army to withdraw its ultimatum. On Wednesday, before the ultimatum expired, the head of the army met the opposition's representative, religious leaders and representatives from the Islamist parties in order to discuss how a roadmap could be put in place to get out of the crisis. (CG/transl.fl)