Statement by the Spokesperson of High Representative Catherine Ashton on the continued crackdown on civil society in Egypt

BRUSSELS, Kingdom of Belgium, February 1, 2012/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 Commission, issued the following statement today:

"As Egypt moves forward in its democratic transition, it is vital to allow civil society

organizations to play their crucial role as a pillar of a modern, open and democratic society.

The EU urges the Egyptian authorities to ensure that any inspections of civil society

organisations which receive foreign funding be done in line with appropriate legal procedures.

The EU calls on the Egyptian authorities to respect Freedom of Association and to adopt a

Law on Associations and Foundations which will be consistent with international standards."