Egypt’s ruling military council should keep its promise of transferring the power to civilian rule as early as possible, the European Union said Monday.
"The EU places great importance on the transfer to civilian rule as early as possible. To meet the expectations of the Egyptian people, it is vital that the authorities stick to their commitment to hold presidential elections by the end of June this year," a statement by Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security, said.
The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces took power on 11 February after the ousting of former President Hosni Mubarak. The council has promised that it will transfer power to a civilian president by July.
The statement came as the newly elected, Islamist-led Parliament held its first session.
"Egypt's parliamentary elections, which saw a good level of participation from voters, are an historic step towards the country's democratic transition. I congratulate the members of Parliament and wish them every success in their work," Ashton said in the statement.
"I hope that the Parliament will drive on the democratic reforms to meet the expectations of the Egyptian people for social rights, economic growth and fundamental freedoms," she said.
