Brussels, 12/12/2005 (Agence Europe) - On 9 December, the British EU Council Presidency issued the following statement on behalf of the EU on the legislative elections in Egypt: “The EU has followed with close interest the elections to the People's Assembly of Egypt which were run in three stages between 9 November and December. The EU welcomes the open political debate, which is continuing to take place in Egypt, and the part played in this by the media there. The elections have created a new parliamentary situation. The EU views with concern the violent incidents leading to deaths and injuries, which took place in certain governorates during the second and third stages of the elections and the evidence of numerous irregularities reported by observers. It is particularly concerned about the role played by the security authorities during the later stages of polling especially in obstructing access to polling stations, and the evidence of widespread intimidation. With regard to monitoring, the EU welcomes the decision by the Higher Electoral Council to allow access to polling stations for domestic monitors of the election. At the same time, the EU regrets that monitors could not gain access to all polling stations. It notes that international observation can play an important role in complementing domestic monitoring of elections and underlines its readiness to assist in this regard in future, should it be invited to do so. The EU notes the importance of the process of political reform which the Egyptian authorities have undertaken to pursue and the pledges of political and electoral reform made during the presidential election campaign. It stands ready to support Egypt's efforts in taking reform forward, including through electoral assistance”.