CAIRO: The European Union has pledge to support the efforts for freedom and democracy and Egypt's transitional process, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso told reporters in Cairo on Thursday. In a speech addressed to the Egyptian people and international reporters at Cairo's Opera House, Barroso said the revolution in Egypt has not been completed yet. He added that the road to democracy “was not easy and was full of obstacles,” expressing his sadness for those who lost their lives in the January 25 revolution earlier this year. Barroso said the EU would not interfere in Egypt's internal policies, out of respect for each country's “privacy to reach tangible results.” “Democracy must come from within, while external assistance may just help to pave the road for implementation,” he said. During his two-day visit to Egypt, Barroso held talks with Egyptian Prime Minister Essam Sharaf and Hussein Tantawi, head of the ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF). The two parties discussed the EU's support for Egypt's economy and political transition. BM
