[caption id="attachment_4236" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Modern Egypt"]
[/caption]GHN News - PRN -What happens in the Middle East can impact the United States, in foreign policy, in energy needs, in the international community and financial markets. This crisis is spreading, is thus local news and for professional journalists must be given as it impacts us all.
Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and
Vice-President of the European Commission, today made the following
statement on Tunisia:
"I spoke earlier today with the newly appointed Tunisian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ahmed Ounaies.
I congratulated the Minister on his appointment and confirmed the EU's solidarity with the Tunisian people
in their efforts to build a stable and pluralistic democracy with full
respect for the rule of law and fundamental rights and freedoms. I
expressed the EU's hope that the transitional Government will be able to
organize free and fair democratic parliamentary and presidential
elections as soon as possible. I welcomed the liberation of political
prisoners and I stressed that freedom of association and legalization of
all political parties are key components for the transition.
I confirmed the
EU's readiness to provide its assistance and expertise for the
preparation and organization of the electoral process and political
reforms. I underscored the need to help and empower the civil society.
The EU will review and update its strategy and assistance. I also
emphasized the EU's commitment to continue our economic cooperation and
the need for investors to redouble their confidence in Tunisia.
Minister Ounaies and I agreed to meet in the coming days.
The Tunisian
Foreign Minister welcomed the EU's engagement and the offer to accompany
his country's transition towards democracy with assistance."
Regarding the situation in Egypt, High Representative Ashton stated:
"I have
followed very closely and with profound concern the reports of increased
violence, clashes and arrests during today's demonstrations in Egypt.
The continued
use of force against demonstrators by police and state security forces
is deeply troubling. In order to avoid further deterioration of the
situation in Cairo and elsewhere in Egypt,
and to avoid more casualties, I reiterate my call on all parties to
exercise restraint and calm and I urge the authorities to immediately
and unconditionally release all peaceful demonstrators from detention.
I also
reiterate my call upon the Egyptian authorities to urgently establish a
constructive and peaceful way to respond to the legitimate aspirations
of Egyptian citizens for democratic and socioeconomic reforms.
I will discuss these developments with my colleagues in the Foreign Affairs Council meeting on Monday in Brussels."
