Presidential elections in Egypt

BERLIN, Germany, June 6, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- A Federal Foreign Office spokesman issued the following statement on the results of the Egyptian presidential election:

We have taken note of the results of the presidential election in Egypt, which was won by Abdul Fattah al-Sisi.

Germany and Egypt have traditionally enjoyed good relations and have a long-standing partnership; close ties of friendship exist between our peoples.

Egypt is a key actor in the Arab world, North Africa and the Near and Middle East. We hope that Egypt will continue to play an important and constructive role in the region.

Egypt faces enormous challenges. The aim now must be to improve economic and social opportunities for the people and to overcome social polarisation. This can only be successfully done if human rights and media freedoms are respected and political inclusiveness is guaranteed.

This is the basis on which the German Government will engage with Egypt's new political leaders.

We also refer to the European Union statement.

Background

Presidential elections were held in Egypt from 26 to 28 May 2014. They were won by the former Defence Minister, Abdul Fattah al-Sisi.

EU observers monitored the elections at the invitation of the Egyptian Government. The preliminary statement issued by the EU election observation mission noted that the elections had proceeded in a peaceful and orderly manner whilst highlighting a number of structural shortcomings in the electoral process, including the marginalisation of opposition forces.