Statement by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on the situation in Egypt
BRUSSELS, Kingdom of Belgium, July 3, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, made today the following statement:
“I am following the situation in Egypt very closely and with deep concern. I welcome the peaceful manner in which most demonstrations have been conducted thus far, but I find continuing cases of sexual abuse of female protesters deeply troubling. I urge all sides to show restraint and reiterate my call to respect the principle of peaceful protest and non-violence.
Confrontation cannot be a solution. The only solution to the present impasse can only be political on the basis of a substantial and inclusive dialogue as wished by the Egyptian people, and founded on democratic principles and respect for fundamental rights. 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.
I offer my deepest condolences to the families of those killed in the protests and hope that those injured will recover quickly.”