Egypt, France airdrop aid to Gaza amid growing humanitarian crisis, global criticism of Israel    Supply minister discusses strengthening cooperation with ITFC    Egypt launches initiative with traders, manufacturers to reduce prices of essential goods    SCZONE chief discusses strengthening maritime, logistics cooperation with Panama    Egypt strengthens healthcare partnerships to enhance maternity, multiple sclerosis, and stroke care    Egypt keeps Gaza aid flowing, total tops 533,000 tons: minister    Egypt reviews health insurance funding mechanism to ensure long-term sustainability    Gaza on verge of famine as war escalates, ceasefire talks stall    Gaza crisis, trade on agenda as Trump hosts Starmer in Scotland    Egyptian president follows up on initiatives to counter extremist thought    Indian Embassy to launch cultural festival in Assiut, film fest in Cairo    Egyptian aid convoy heads toward Gaza as humanitarian crisis deepens    Culture minister launches national plan to revive film industry, modernise cinematic assets    Egypt will keep pushing for Gaza peace, aid: PM    I won't trade my identity to please market: Douzi    Sisi calls for boosting oil & gas investment to ease import burden    EGX to close Thursday for July 23 Revolution holiday    Egypt welcomes 25-nation statement urging end to Gaza war    Sisi sends letter to Nigerian president affirming strategic ties    Egypt, Senegal sign pharma MoU to unify regulatory standards    Two militants killed in foiled plot to revive 'Hasm' operations: Interior ministry    Egypt, Somalia discuss closer environmental cooperation    58 days that exposed IMF's contradictions on Egypt    Egypt's EHA, Huawei discuss enhanced digital health    Foreign, housing ministers discuss Egypt's role in African development push    Egypt reveals heritage e-training portal    Three ancient rock-cut tombs discovered in Aswan    Sisi launches new support initiative for families of war, terrorism victims    Egypt expands e-ticketing to 110 heritage sites, adds self-service kiosks at Saqqara    Egypt's Irrigation Minister urges scientific cooperation to tackle water scarcity    Palm Hills Squash Open debuts with 48 international stars, $250,000 prize pool    On Sport to broadcast Pan Arab Golf Championship for Juniors and Ladies in Egypt    Golf Festival in Cairo to mark Arab Golf Federation's 50th anniversary    Germany among EU's priciest labour markets – official data    Paris Olympic gold '24 medals hit record value    A minute of silence for Egyptian sports    Russia says it's in sync with US, China, Pakistan on Taliban    It's a bit frustrating to draw at home: Real Madrid keeper after Villarreal game    Shoukry reviews with Guterres Egypt's efforts to achieve SDGs, promote human rights    Sudan says countries must cooperate on vaccines    Johnson & Johnson: Second shot boosts antibodies and protection against COVID-19    Egypt to tax bloggers, YouTubers    Egypt's FM asserts importance of stability in Libya, holding elections as scheduled    We mustn't lose touch: Muller after Bayern win in Bundesliga    Egypt records 36 new deaths from Covid-19, highest since mid June    Egypt sells $3 bln US-dollar dominated eurobonds    Gamal Hanafy's ceramic exhibition at Gezira Arts Centre is a must go    Italian Institute Director Davide Scalmani presents activities of the Cairo Institute for ITALIANA.IT platform    







Thank you for reporting!
This image will be automatically disabled when it gets reported by several people.



Foreign ministry rejects European Parliament resolution
Published in Daily News Egypt on 08 - 02 - 2014

The foreign ministry rejected a number of aspects in a resolution put forth by the European Parliament (EP) last week.
Foreign ministry spokesman Badr Abdelatty said: "The Egyptian people are the only ones to decide their fate and future," in a statement issued on Saturday that was critical of the content of the EP's resolution.
The spokesman added that no domestic or foreign party was entitled to comment on matters that fall under the responsibility of the judiciary, in reference to comments made by the parliament concerning the trial of journalists in Egypt. The Egyptian judiciary, which the statement said was "known for its independence and integrity", was part of the country's separation of powers and that no one "under any pretext" could interfere in its work.
Abdelatty also cited the acquittal of Al-Jazeera cameraman Mohamed Badr, who had been detained since July and stood trial with 61 others.
He added that it was "unacceptable" that the resolution "equates a party that practiced violence and terrorism against civilians" with "security forces and state institutions" that are responsible with "imposing public order and providing security".
The foreign ministry also criticised the EP's resolution for saying the referendum had a "relatively low turnout" and added that it rejected parts of the resolution critical of some articles that passed "with an overwhelming level of support".
The ministry welcomed some points made in the resolution, especially those relating to the condemnation of violence and terrorism and parts that welcomed certain aspects of the newly passed constitution that dealt with human rights.
Abdelatty also approved of an article in the resolution that called for cooperation between Egypt and the European Union when it came to restoring smuggled funds and assets that had belonged to members of the foreign regime.
The resolution, which was published on Thursday, was critical of the political process in Egypt that was initiated with former president Mohamed Morsi's ouster.
"The run-up to the referendum was marred by acts of violence and the harassment and arrest of activists campaigning for a No vote," said the resolution, which added that such actions led to a "one-sided public debate ahead of the referendum".
The resolution also welcomed the "positive elements" in the new constitution, which included fundamental freedoms and human rights, the protection of minorities, and women's rights. However, it decried articles relating to the armed forces and its lack of civilian oversight and the constitution's restriction of freedom of religious worship to the followers of the three Abrahamic religions.
The EP's resolution also condemned "excessive force against protesters" and the crackdown on journalists.
The resolution also pointed to both the Muslim Brotherhood and interim government as inciting against one another. It additionally highlighted the increased sectarian attacks on Coptic churches following Morsi's ouster and "acts of terrorism and violent attacks against security forces".
MEPs of the parliament also issued a press statement calling on "all the political actors and security forces in Egypt to show the utmost restraint and avoid provocation and further violence".
They also called upon the Egyptian authorities to fully and effectively implement the new constitution's "provisions on fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of assembly, association and expression, and human rights".
"The referendum on the constitution was an opportunity to build national consensus, reconciliation and stability in the country," said the press statement, which then expressed "strong regrets at the violent clashes before, during and after the referendum".
The Foreign Affairs Council meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday. According to the council, European ministers will discuss a number of Egyptian issues and "reaffirm the importance of the European Union's relationship with Egypt and the EU's continued support for the Egyptian people in their desire to establish a democratic and prosperous society that enshrines dignity, the rule of law and respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights."
The council said it would "take stock of the situation in Egypt" to assess the constitutional referendum.
In a Thursday statement UK Foreign Secretary William Hague said he was "very concerned" about "increasing restrictions placed upon journalists and the media in Egypt", adding that he would discuss related issues with other European foreign ministers at council meetings starting on Monday.


Clic here to read the story from its source.