Brussels, 15/07/2013 (Agence Europe) - For the first time since the overthrow of Egypt's President Mohamed Morsi on 3 July, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton stated on behalf of the 28 EU member states, on Sunday 14 July, that it was “of the utmost importance that Egypt returns rapidly to a legitimate government and democratic structures responding to the democratic and socio-economic aspirations” of the Egyptian people.
In the EU's view, the military must accept and respect the constitutional authority of civilian power as a basic principle of democratic governance. “The EU stresses in particular the importance of holding democratic elections in the shortest possible time”, Ashton adds in a press release, which picks up on what she had already previously highlighted on her own behalf.
Believing the “national reconciliation (…) paramount”, the member states call for “a broad-based and substantial dialogue, inclusive of all those political forces committed to democratic principles”. “It is for the Egyptian people to decide on the way forward, including a path to free and fair elections in which all parties can compete, and work to agree a constitution as a solid foundation for a united, democratic and prosperous Egypt” with the necessary checks and balances of a democratic system, Ashton explains. She adds that the success of the process will depend “on the free participation of all political actors, including the Freedom and Justice Party [of the Muslim Brotherhood]”, encouraging the Muslim Brotherhood to take part.
Call for release of political prisoners - without naming Morsi. Having taken note of the constitutional statement and the timetable presented by Egypt's interim president, Adly Mansour, the EU “strongly” urges that the rule of law, including accountability, human rights and fundamental freedoms (including those of assembly, expression, religion or belief) and the right to a fair trial “are fully respected”. All media, therefore, “must be free to function” and journalists should not be penalised as a consequence of their professional work, the 28 EU member states say. They urge the interim authorities in Egypt “to make every effort” so that politically motivated arrests and other forms of harassment do not take place. “All political detainees must be released, and criminal cases reviewed swiftly in a transparent manner”, add the EU member states, without mentioning the former president Morsi, however. Germany and Sweden have called for his release (see EUROPE 10887).
The EU also deplores the violence and the excessive use of force in the recent clashes, underlining that peaceful protest must be authorised and protected by the authorities, and calling for the end to sexual violence at gatherings. The EU takes note of the investigations that have been opened into this violence and hopes that they will be independent, thorough and timely (see EUROPE 10884). The protests of pro- and anti-Morsi supporters continue in the country.
Concerned at the continuing deterioration of the Egyptian economy, the EU calls on the interim Egyptian authorities to take “urgent and concrete measures” to tackle the economic challenges.
EU ready to engage conditionally. “On the basis of the principles set out above”, the EU stands ready to engage with the interim government. Egypt will be on the agenda of the Foreign Affairs Council on 22 July. (CG/transl.fl)