Following her meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Ziad Bahaa Eddin in Brussels, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton issued a statement Thursday, showing concern over Egypt’s path to a democratic and simultaneously announcing a financial aid package to Egypt.
“The Deputy Prime Minister briefed me on the implementation of the political road map according to which a democratic and civil government should be in place by summer 2014,” the statement read.
“I raised the worrying reports I have received on the security forces’ violent dispersal and arrests during yesterday’s protests against military trials. While I acknowledged that Egypt’s stability and the population’s need for a secure environment is important, I underlined that fundamental human rights have to be respected,” it added.
“This is particularly relevant in the context of Egypt’s ongoing constitutional process which should result in a constitution safeguarding the rights and obligations of all Egyptians,” the statement mentioned.
“Today, we have signed a financing agreement worth 90 million euros for Egypt. This assistance will enhance the access of children, especially girls, to education and will fight child labor in the poorest areas…[and] help civil society groups to provide socio-economic assistance in the most deprived areas of Egypt,” read the statement.
The statement concluded saying that Ashton reiterated the EU’s readiness to continue its support to Egyptians in their quest for a democratic, stable and prosperous country.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
