Statement by the EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on the events in Egypt
BRUSSELS, Kingdom of Belgium, January 27, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission, made today the following statement:
“I deplore the reported deaths following the demonstrations taking place in Egypt. I wish to extend my sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased. I note also with concern the high number of people injured and arrested, and the use of violence. I call on all parties to exercise restraint and on the Egyptian authorities to release all peaceful demonstrators who have been detained.
Freedom of expression and the right to assemble peacefully are fundamental rights of every human being. I call on the Egyptian authorities to fully respect and protect the rights of their citizens to manifest their political aspirations by means of peaceful demonstrations. The voices calling for the full respect of their political, social and economic rights should be listened to carefully.”
SOURCE
European Union
