Brussels, 02/12/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 1 December, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton criticised the action taken against demonstrators in Egypt. She is following “with great concern the reports on recent events in Egypt”. “The reported use of force, arrests and disproportionate sentences can only impede the country's transition to democracy. Moreover, such measures, including under the new law on demonstrations, violate the rights and the aspirations of the Egyptian people and will never deliver real and sustainable security for the Egyptian population”, said Ashton's spokesperson in a press release. Since the new law entered into force on 24 November, forbidding demonstrations and gatherings that are not authorised beforehand, the police has cracked down on several demonstrations with water cannon and tear gas. Dozens of demonstrators have been arrested for not respecting this law, and several people have received heavy prison sentences.
Ashton again reiterated that “fundamental human rights have to be respected at all times” (see EUROPE 10973). “This is particularly important now when Egypt is in the finalising stages of drafting the revised constitution which should safeguard the rights and obligations of all Egyptians”, Ashton's spokesperson added. The new draft constitution was approved by the constituent committee on 1 December. It gives important powers to the army - including the power of judging civilians - and, as was already the case, neither the government nor the parliament will have the right to monitor the army's budget. The draft constitution will have to be approved in a referendum. (CG/transl.fl)