EU foreign ministers push for fair elections in Egypt - Summary

Mon, 31 Jan 2011

Brussels - European Union foreign ministers advised Egypt on Monday to restore calm and assure that free and fair elections are held soon, calling on embattled President Hosny Mubarak to share power with the opposition in the meantime.

The EU has been taken by surprise by the wave of unrest sweeping from Tunisia across the Arab world. The pre-arranged monthly meeting of the bloc's foreign ministers came as the bloc was grappling to find an answer.

"The Council (of EU member states) urges the Egyptian authorities to embark on an orderly transition through a broad-based government leading to a genuine process of substantial democratic reform ... paving the way for free and fair elections," ministers said in a joint statement.

That transition should begin with talks between the government and its opponents, EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said.

"There needs to be a peaceful way forward based on an open and serious dialogue with the opposition parties and all parts of civil society, and we believe it needs to happen now," she said.

The meeting had been set to discuss a range of flashpoints, with Tunisia, Belarus and Ivory Coast all on the agenda. But Egypt dominated proceedings, with ministers united in calling for fair elections to be held at an early date.

"What we are supporting is the democratic process and letting the people decide for themselves. It means free elections and elections where people can express their will freely," said Markos Kyprianou, foreign minister of Cyprus, as he arrived at the meeting.

"What is critical is the election that will be held this year in Egypt, that it is done in a free and fair way and creates legitimacy in the government," Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt agreed.

A number of ministers said that the EU should have paid more attention to the wishes and frustrations of citizens in North Africa.

"We have forgotten that there are people who want democracy and the right to share in decision-making living there," Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn criticized.

The joint statement echoed that theme, saying that the EU "recognizes the legitimate democratic aspirations and grievances of the Egyptian population. These should be listened to carefully and addressed through urgent, concrete and decisive measures."

But at the same time, ministers were careful not to call for the resignation of embattled President Hosny Mubarak - a man whom the EU has long seen as a force for stability and moderation in the region.

"We should promote a normal democratic way without adopting a choice of who is better, who is not. It is not up to us, it is up to the Egyptians," Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said.

According to diplomats, a number of ministers at the meeting raised the fear that a free election could bring to power the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood, seen in EU circles as a radical force.

"It is important to prevent any process of radicalization. We don't want radical free-riders to be able to profit from such a demonstration of freedom," German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said as he arrived at the meeting.

In an echo of those concerns, the statement said that the EU "reiterates its support for a democratic, pluralist and stable Egypt ... sharing the goal of building stability, peace and prosperity in the Mediterranean and the Middle East region."

But Frattini played down those fears.

"When I talk about a democratic way, I think radicalism is not a democratic way. I am sure that Egyptians will be in the condition to choose democracy and civil rights, not extremism, not radicalism," he said.

Source: Earth Times.
Link: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/news/365205,elections-egypt-summary.html.