CAIRO: With 14 people already killed by the military and police in Egypt, and hundreds more injured, the European Union's Foreign Affairs chief condemned the ongoing violence in the North African country late Monday. Catherine Ashton called on the ruling military leaders to end the clashes immediately and restore calm to the Egyptian capital. “I urge all parties to exercise calm and restraint and strongly condemn the use of violence against peaceful demonstrators. Law and order must be ensured in a manner respectful of human rights. Security forces must protect the right of all citizens to peaceful demonstration, and to the freedom of assembly and expression,” Ashton said in a statement released by her office. She also said that she is “extremely concerned” over the recent clashes that erupted in in the capital since Friday after the military attacked a peaceful sit-in at the country's Cabinet building. “I deplore the loss of life and large number of injuries. I send my condolences to the families of the victims,” Ashton said. Ashton reportedly asked Egypt's military, in power since a popular uprising ousted former President Hosni Mubarak in February, to conduct an independent investigation and punish all those who are responsible for the violence. The military on Monday accused the protesters of using “excessive force” and said the military has not used force against protesters, despite a number of raids against protesters over the past few days, live ammunition and video showing uniformed soldiers throwing rocks at protesters. Ashton, also called for Egypt's three stage parliamentary elections, which began on November 28, to continue for the democratic process to continue in the country. “Egypt is in the middle of a crucial and difficult transformation process,” Ashton said. “The democratic electoral process should continue in a safe and transparent environment.” BM ShortURL: http://goo.gl/cQT4y Tags: Ashton, EU, SCAF, Tahrir, Violence Section: Egypt, Europe, Latest News
