BRUSSELS
The European Union (EU) has called on Egypt's interim government to complete a transparent and independent investigation into the various acts of violence that occurred during protests surrounding the removal of the country's president.
In a final communique released after Monday's Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels, the EU condemned in the "clearest possible terms" all acts of violence, in particular those causing loss of life through disproportionate use of force and live ammunition.
It included a litany of concerns that it hoped would be resolved and lead to "inclusive, transparent and credible elections."
The communique deplored the loss of life during the constitutional referendum on January 14-15, and on the occasion of the third anniversary of the Egyptian revolution.
"In this context, the EU takes note that the killing of protesters and security forces during violent events since June 30 have not been investigated," warned the EU as it called on Egypt's interim government to act on its promise and complete the investigation.
President Mohammed Morsi, Egypt's first democratically-elected president, was deposed by a military coup last July following protests against his one-year rule.
Since his ouster, the country's military-backed interim authorities have cracked down on his supporters, leaving hundreds dead and thousands detained.
A new Egyptian draft constitution was backed by 98.1 percent of those who voted in a January referendum, replacing one introduced by Morsi before he was ousted.
The EU praised the adoption of the new constitution in its communique Monday, saying an important step in the road map had been achieved.
However, the EU also deplored the absence of a fully inclusive process, pointing out the lack of attempts to overcome the polarization of society and the closing of political space for dissenting opinion before and during the referendum.
The communique reiterated that the existing and future national legislation must be in full compliance and implemented in line with the constitution and international standards.
"The constitution should be applied in a way that ensures full civilian control over all branches of government, and civilians should be tried in civilian courts at all times," said the EU.
The communique welcomed the announcement of elections in Egypt and noted that only an inclusive political process could lead to a democratically elected government and a fair representation of different political views in the future parliament.
"The EU also reiterates its readiness to observe the upcoming elections, if conditions are met, and calls on the Egyptian interim authorities to ensure an environment conducive to inclusive, transparent and credible elections, including a level playing field for the election campaigns."
The EU Foreign Affairs Council also expressed concern over the deteriorating human rights situation in the country, "including the indiscriminate detention of political opposition and activists."
"Freedoms of expression, assembly and peaceful protest must be safeguarded," it urged.
As for the "deteriorating climate" for the press, the EU called upon the Egyptian interim authorities and state media to ensure a safe working environment for all journalists and to end "politicized arrests as well as intimidation of and incitement against domestic and foreign journalists."
The communique also voiced EU's ongoing concern about selective justice against the political opposition, urging the Egyptian interim authorities, in line with international standards, to guarantee the defendants' rights to a fair and timely trial based on clear charges and proper and independent investigations.
"The EU reiterates its readiness to assist the people of Egypt in their quest for a stable, inclusive, democratic and prosperous Egypt. The EU also reiterates its willingness to maintain dialogue with all political forces that reject violence and support credible initiatives for dialogue and reconciliation," concluded the communique.
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