Brussels, 27/03/2014 (Agence Europe) - 2013 was “politically a very challenging year” and as a result “no particular progress can be reported in relation to the action plan” on the European neighbourhood policy, regretted the European Commission on Thursday 27 March in its progress report on Egypt. The Commission wants Egypt to make a great deal of progress and, in particular, to implement the new constitution “in full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms”. Egypt is asked to organise “genuine” democratic presidential and parliamentary elections, in line with international standards.
Underlining a worsening in the freedom of assembly and in the freedom of the press, and a worsening in the situation of non-governmental organisations, the Commission calls on Egypt to create “conditions conducive to an active and independent civil society”. The country should conduct investigations into numerous cases of violence, guarantee that those responsible are judged, and ensure that civilians are no longer judged by military courts. The Commission also highlights the “serious situation” in Sinai, and the need to close the torture camps and dismantle the criminal networks.
Egypt should also guarantee its macroeconomic stability, strengthen its public finance management and put in place the necessary economic reforms, adds the Commission. (CG)