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EU urges 'free' Egypt polls, fears MidEast instability

31 January 2011, 21:39 CET
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(BRUSSELS) - Europe demanded "free and fair" elections in Egypt on Monday as it sought to respond to pressure to speak up on the turmoil sweeping Arab nations on its volatile southern flank.

With Egypt seen as key to stability across the Middle East, European Union foreign ministers demanded President Hosni Mubarak kickstart an "orderly transition" that stopped short of asking him to step down after 30 years in office.

"It's not up to us to say, it's not up to us to choose," said Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini.

"I think Europe, the United States, the international community have a growing stake in Egypt's stability. That is the most important point."

The declaration from the EU's 27 ministers called for a step-by-step approach in Egypt, starting with a broad-based interim government and culminating with a democratic vote.

"The council urges Egyptian authorities to embark on an orderly transition through a broad-based government leading to a genuine process of substantial democratic reforms, with full respect of rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms paving the way for fair and free elections," it said.

The ministers regretted the loss of life and demanded the release of protesters detained over the past days and the restoration of communications networks.

Originally scheduled to focus on troublespots Tunisia and Belarus, the one-day talks were overtaken by concern over the situation in Egypt, with ministers due to review their policy options on the region late into the night.

The crisis in Egypt throws up "problems that are very serious and complex, not only for Egyptians but for all the region," said Portugal's Foreign Minister Luis Amado on arrival.

"The EU needs to face these realities, we need a more comprehensive approach. We will begin today to discuss the situation, it will be the beginning of a very important reflection."

The possible rethink of European policy comes as the EU faces loud criticism both for failing to see -- or not wanting to see -- the writing on the wall across the Mediterranean, and for doing too little too late there.

"The EU has been dithering to respond to events in its neighbours despite this being indicated as its priority foreign policy area," said Rosa Balfour of the European Policy Centre think-tank.

Because of misguided belief that "status quo equals stability," Tunisia's repressive regime was one of the least criticised by the EU, while its economic performance won it promises of special trade ties with the bloc.

When the uprising ejected Tunisian leader Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, the EU was caught napping as a US envoy hit the ground running to offer Washington's help in the turbulence, days before Brussels sent in its own man.

The ministers Monday slapped an assets freeze on Ben Ali and his wife. And Wednesday, the EU looks at a boost in economic ties when the North African nation's new foreign minister flies in on what may be his maiden overseas trip.

The same day, Ashton will meet Yemen's foreign minister to urge one of the Arab world's poorest countries, also facing protests, to move forward on the road to democracy and offer the bloc's assistance to that end.

Due to Egypt's key historical role in Middle East peace efforts, Europe's foreign ministers differed over whether he should be encouraged to leave.

Both Spanish Foreign Minister Trinidad Jimenez and her French counterpart Michele Alliot-Marie said various participants had raised fears of a resurgence of Islamic extremists.

Germany's Guido Westerwelle said Europe had little elbow-room room for maneouvre, needing to ensure stability in the politically volatile region while remaining true to its principles.

"On the one hand it's about the process of democratisation, it's necessary and has to be supported by us. On the other hand it's important that radicalisation is impeded," he said.

"It's important that we not only keep an eye on the process of democratisation but as well on the stability of the whole region.

"Between these two poles our political engagement is located."

Council conclusions on Egypt


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