EU's Ashton Urges Political Dialog, Reconciliation In Egypt

Berlin, July 28, IRNA -- European Union foreign policy supremo Catherine Ashton on Saturday called for political dialog and reconciliation in Egypt amid the latest wave of deadly clashes between supporters of deposed Egyptian president Mohammad Mursi and his opponents. Deploring the loss of lives in Fridays protests, Ashton reiterated in a press statement that confrontation was not a solution. The only solution is a rapid move to an inclusive transformation process. Reconciliation and dialogue are paramount at this critical juncture, she said. There is no room for hate-speech and other forms of incitement. All political groups, including the Muslim Brotherhood, must be involved in the transformation process, which should lead to a constitutional order, free and fair elections and a civilian-led government, Ashton added. She urged the new Egyptian leadership to ensure peaceful and orderly demonstrations. Ashton also called on all sides in the conflict to refrain from violence and to respect the principles of peaceful protest and non-violence. Human Rights,including the fundamental freedoms of association and expression must be respected, she stressed. The EUs top diplomat reaffirmed the need for the release of all political prisoners, including Mursi who has reportedly been under arrest at an undisclosed location since July 3 when the military removed him from power in the wake of mass protests demanding his resignation./end