Brussels, 09/10/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 8 October, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton spoke of her deep concern at last weekend's violent clashes in Egypt (see EUROPE 10937) and the terror attacks in Sinai and Ismailia which left nine police officers and soldiers dead on 7 October. “The clashes show there is clearly a great deal of polarisation and mistrust”, Ashton stated. She said that this can only be overcome “if all sides commit to a political process defined and agreed by Egyptians themselves, that leads to deep and sustainable democracy”. Ashton stated that she had noted some potential for an inclusive process, during her visit to Egypt on 2-3 October (see EUROPE 10936). “The European Union will continue to support the Egyptian people in this process”, she added.
On 8 October, the Political and Security Committee (PSC) was informed by EU Special Representative for the Mediterranean Bernardino Léon of the latest developments and prospects in Egypt after Ashton's visit. The PSC stressed that the EU should continue to offer its services and highlighted human rights, the rule of law and the protection of minorities, according to a European source. The situation in Egypt is due to be discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council on 21 October, during which Ashton will debrief ministers on her visit.
Elsewhere, the trial of Egypt's former president, Mohamed Morsi, for incitement to the murder of demonstrators in Cairo in December 2012, is due to begin on 4 November. On 8 October, the Egyptian government withdrew the fraternity of the Muslim Brotherhood from the list of authorised non-governmental organisations, applying a legal decision of 23 September which had banned the activities of the Muslim Brotherhood. (CG/transl.fl)