EU urges dialogue to resolve Egypt crisis

Wednesday 03-07-2013 04:19 PM
EU urges dialogue to resolve Egypt crisis

EU representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton arrives for the 19th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Foreign Ministers Retreat at the office of the Council of Ministers in Phnom Penh July 12, 2012 - REUTERS/Samrang Pring

By

The only solution to the present deadlock in Egypt must be political and on the basis of a substantial and inclusive dialogue, said the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs, Catherine Ashton, on Wednesday.  

“I am following the situation in Egypt very closely and with deep concern,” Ashton said in an official statement.

The EU representative urged all sides to show restraint and respect the principles of peaceful protest and non-violence, adding that confrontation cannot be a solution.

“I reiterate the EU's steadfast commitment to stand by the Egyptian people in their endeavour toward democratic transition, and offer the EU's support to assist all political forces in finding a peaceful solution.”

She also welcomed “the peaceful manner of demonstrations thus far,” but added that the cases of sexual abuse of female protesters were deeply troubling.

facebook comments