Brussels, 11/02/2014 (Agence Europe) - On 10 February, EU foreign affairs ministers called for civilian control on the government. “The constitution should be applied in a way that ensures full civilian control over all branches of government, and civilians should be tried in civilian courts at all times”, they state in their conclusions. While taking “positive” note of the adoption of the new constitution by referendum on 14 and 15 January, the EU deplores the absence of a fully inclusive process, the lack of attempts to overcome the polarisation of society and the closing of political space for dissenting opinion before and during the referendum. The EU foreign affairs ministers welcome that the new constitution enshrines human rights and fundamental freedoms, and encourages the Egyptian interim authorities to cooperate with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
“It is now important that the remaining steps of the road map are implemented, in particular by finalising the electoral cycle, the media code of ethics, empowering youth in the political process and the establishment of a higher commission for national reconciliation”, adds the Council.
The ministers welcome the announcement of elections and reiterate that “only an inclusive political process will lead to a democratically elected government and a fair representation of different political views in the future parliament”. They call on the Egyptian interim authorities to ensure an environment conducive to inclusive, transparent and credible elections. “In view of the recent developments, the Council recalls that no political groups should be excluded or banned as long as they renounce violence and respect democratic principles”, the EU foreign affairs ministers state.
The EU once again condemns terrorist attacks and acts of violence, including the events during the constitutional referendum and on the occasion of the third anniversary of the Egyptian revolution - “including from the disproportionate use of force and of live ammunition” - and calls for all violence to stop. (CG/transl.fl)