CAIRO: The European Union has expressed concern regarding the conduct of the recent Parliamentary elections in Egypt. Catherine Ashton, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, cited “reports of irregularities, restricted access for independent observers and candidates' representatives into polling stations, media restrictions as well as arrests of opposition activists” as among the causes of concern. Ashton said in a statement that she had closely followed the elections, which took place on November 28 and December 5. “The European Union supports free and fair parliamentary elections, recognizing the responsibility of the Egyptian people to choose their own future and to build a stable democratic system,” said Ashton. Ashton said the EU had taken note of measures to increase transparency ahead of the elections, including local election observation. “Unfortunately, the implementation of these measures was insufficient,” she said. Ashton also pointed out that a significant segment of the opposition withdrew from the polls after the first round of the elections. “I particularly regret the incidents of violence, some of them resulting in loss of life,” she said, adding, “I encourage the Egyptian authorities to respond to these concerns.” Ashton said Egypt remained a key partner of the EU. “We remain committed to continue working together, building on the reforms already undertaken and on the programme set out in the EU/Egypt Action Plan,” she said. In related news, Egypt is currently trying to negotiate a plan with the EU which could elevate it to a prominent partner. Such a partnership would allow Egypt to receive financial, economic and political support from the EU. The European Union has allocated $50 million Euro to Egypt from EU Aids funds for the period from 2011-2013. The funds are to be allocated for the promotion of human rights, democratic reform and good governance. The aid is to be distributed between state institutions and civil society. However, the Coalition of the Independent Election Monitoring said during a press conference on November 29 that the Ministry of Solidarity declined to deliver the grant to the Coalition for use in monitoring the elections. BM
