Statement by the Spokesperson of High Representative Catherine Ashton on the latest events in Egypt

BRUSSELS, Kingdom of Belgium, July 8, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Spokesperson of Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign

Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, issued the following statement today:

"The events in Egypt over the past few days, in particular the confrontations which have resulted in so many deaths and injuries, are a cause of grave concern to all Europeans, and make even more urgent our call for an immediate end to the violence.

Confrontation cannot be the solution to the problems currently facing Egypt. Only through dialogue and a willingness to include all constituencies on the basis of a political road map can the country find its way back to democracy and stability. Egypt's democratic project will depend on all democratic forces participating fully and freely as a key principle for a credible return to a democratic transition.

The EU calls on all parties immediately to put in place a process which preserves civil liberties, and allows all political leaders to begin an inclusive dialogue, leading to elections in the shortest possible time. It will do all it can to support efforts to preserve calm and bring social and political peace across Egypt as stated by the High Representative in all her contacts with Egyptian leaders, and by EU Special Representative Leon in his contacts on the ground. These contacts include the Muslim Brotherhood.

The High Representative is saddened by the deaths and injuries caused by the violence of the past days. She sends her condolences to the families of the victims and hopes that a spirit of dialogue and tolerance will make itself felt across Egypt."