04/04/2007 (Agence Europe) - Following the referendum held on 26 March in Egypt of the constitutional reform of the country, the EU on Tuesday adopted a declaration encouraging “reform efforts leading to wider participation of the population in the political process”. The German presidency says that “the referendum took place only a few days after parliamentary approval, thus leaving little time for public debate”. Although the constitutional amendments were approved by 76% of the ballot, only 27% of the electorate came out to vote in this consultation, which among other things covers an extension of government powers, the granting to the president of discretionary powers to dissolve parliament and the repeal of judicial electoral controls. The EU points out that it “expects any new legislation to abide by international standards”. (ab)