Egypt
EU must seize momentum for a sustainable reconciliation
Following the meetings of High Representative Ashton in Egypt and amid continued danger of escalation in the streets of Egypt, Franziska Brantner, foreign affairs spokesperson of the Greens/EFA in the European Parliament, said:
"I welcome Ms Ashton's initiative, which has raised hopes in Egypt. The EU must now maintain the momentum through a series of intensive and prolonged meetings at different levels and with mediation experts.
The Muslim Brotherhood must be part of the reconciliation process. No false hopes should however be invoked, such as the return of Morsi to power. The military for its part has to renounce any further acts of violence and needs to respect the rights to freedom of assembly and freedom of expression.
The selection process for the 50 persons comprising the constituent assembly needs to be transparent and truly inclusive this time. It also needs to include, for example, representatives from the youth movements and a significant number of women. Only if the precise duties and responsibilities of the President's office are settled, and a constitution is in place, can presidential elections take place - past mistakes must be avoided at any cost this time!"
