The Egyptian government has categorically rejected international supervision of upcoming elections, said Marc Franco, head of the EU delegation to Cairo. Nevertheless, he assured that Egypt is committed to holding them in a democratic and fair manner under the full supervision of the Egyptian judiciary. Franco added that the EU would monitor the elections via civil society organizations. At a press conference on the occasion of Poland assuming the EU presidency for the first time since it joined the EU seven years ago, Franco said “the EU is willing to contribute to the democratic transition in Egypt and help organize elections.” He added that international supervision remains in the offing, and stressed EU confidence in the integrity and independence of Egypt's judiciary. Regarding concerns over the Brotherhood potentially seizing power, he said: “we noticed that civil society organizations, the revolution's youth and political parties are against turning Egypt into a religious state,” and added that the Muslim Brothers are not necessarily undemocratic. Polish Ambassador to Cairo Piotr Puchta said his country talks with all parties in Egypt, including the Muslim Brotherhood. Translated from the Arabic Edition
