Statement by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on the violence in Egypt

BRUSSELS, Kingdom of Belgium, November 21, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission, made the following statement today:

"I am extremely concerned at the riots and violent clashes witnessed in Egypt, notably in Tahrir square over the weekend. I deplore the loss of life and the many injuries and express my solidarity with the families of the victims.

I urge calm and restraint and condemn the use of violence in the strongest terms. There is no doubt that the transitional process is a difficult and challenging one. I have expressed my concern in the past about the emergency law and the ongoing military trials. I reiterate that the interim authorities and all parties concerned have the crucial task of listening to the people and protecting their democratic aspirations.

Law and order must be ensured in a manner respectful of human rights. Citizens and political

parties' demands that the transition moves forward and safeguards the principles of democracy

must be listened to.

As Egypt prepares to go to the polls, in its first democratic and transparent elections, I remain

confident that the Egyptian people and the authorities will find the way to move peacefully forward and succeed in overcoming the challenges."