Statement by the EU HR Ashton on Egypt

"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 socio-economic reforms.

I will discuss these developments with my colleagues in the Foreign Affairs Council meeting on Monday in Brussels."

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• Egypt: EU HR Ashton greatly concerned about situation (3/2/2011)
• Egypt: EU Commission calls for orderly transition and holding of free and fair elections (2/2/2011)
• Remarks by EU HR Ashton on the situation in Egypt ahead of EU Foreign Affairs Council (31/1/2011)
• EU Council conclusions on Egypt (31/1/2011)
• Statement by European Council President Van Rompuy on situation in Egypt (29/1/2011)
• Statement by EU HR Ashton on the events in Egypt (27/1/2011)
• Statement by EU HR Ashton on the elections to the People's Assembly of Egypt (6/12/2010)
• Egypt: Statement by High Representative Ashton on the State of Emergency (12/5/2010)