Sunday, February 6, 2011

Egypt: EU leaders divided on the ouster of Mubarak

European Office Brussels - The heads of State and Government of the Twenty-seven, met at a summit in Brussels, asked, Friday, Feb. 4, the transition process begins "now" in Egypt. European leaders also called the Cairo authorities to "meet the aspirations of the Egyptian people" by "political reform and not punishment." They call for the establishment of a government with a broad-based and free elections.

The situation in Egypt and the region was discussed over lunch, at a summit devoted also to the Pact of competitiveness developed by Germany, as well as on issues of energy and innovation . The heads of state say they follow with concern the deteriorating situation in the country, condemned "in strongest terms" violence "and all those who use it and encourage it." The statement then greet the term "peaceful and dignified" by the Tunisian and Egyptian peoples of their claims.

Aspirations with the values promoted by the Union in the world, insists the text. The Twenty-Seven then mention a "new partnership" with more effective support to countries that implement reforms. Catherine Ashton, the High Representative for foreign policy, is authorized to transmit this message in future it will conduct visits to Tunisia and Egypt.

She was invited to provide measures to help the transition and a plan to "promote the economic and social development." "Advanced status" in partnership with Tunisia is also envisaged. Regarding Egypt, the position of Twenty-seven mentions, between the lines, a revision of the terms of an agreement which provides, inter alia, payment of 449 million euros over three years.

European reaction set Friday in Brussels is the latest in a long list that began a week ago. Without demand, as is the departure of President Mubarak, it marks a hardening of terms and its purpose, this time to convince people that European leaders are sensitive to their struggle. The ousting of Mr Mubarak is it a divisive issue, for example describing Berlusconi always the Egyptian president as "a wise man." Jean-Pierre Stroobants

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