France and Britain called Friday for Europe to send a strong message on the escalating crisis in Egypt, urging the EU to review its relations with Cairo.
The French presidency said in a statement that after talks by telephone, President Francois Hollande and Prime Minister David Cameron agreed “on the seriousness of the violence of recent days and on the need for a strong European message.”
“The end of violence and repression, respect for the human rights of all and the resumption of inter-Egyptian dialogue must be the immediate priority,” the statement said.
“The European Union must carry forward these requirements and review its relations with Egypt,” the statement said, adding that the two leaders wanted EU foreign ministers to meet quickly to discuss the situation in Egypt.
A spokesman for Cameron confirmed the two had discussed “the appalling events in Egypt and tragic loss of life.”
“They agreed that the EU should be clear and united in its message: the violence must end immediately and there needs to be a political dialogue, involving all sides, that leads to genuine democracy,” the spokesman said.
He also said EU foreign ministers should meet next week to “consider what measures the EU can take to make clear that the violence and repression is unacceptable and to best encourage leaders from all sides to re-engage in dialogue and to chart a peaceful way forward for their country.”

Hollande, Cameron call for ‘strong European message’ on Egypt

Egyptian military police man a checkpoint in Alexandria’s coastal promenade as security measures were tightened across Egypt on Aug. 16, 2013. (Reuters)
AFP, CAIRO
Friday 16 August 2013
Last Update: Wednesday, 20 May 2020 KSA 09:41 - GMT 06:41
DAY | WEEK |
-
11463 Views Loud explosion heard in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh
-
8312 Views Full moon to align directly above Kaaba in Mecca on Jan. 28
-
8073 Views Coronavirus: Dubai restaurants offer discounts for vaccinated diners
-
2160 Views Iran executes second wrestler months after executing champion wrestler Navid Afkari
-
2153 Views Saudi Arabia in talks to provide COVID-19 vaccines to low income countries: Minister
-
1954 Views Coronavirus: Saudi Arabia to get AstraZeneca shots in about a week from India
-
23811 Views Coronavirus: Dubai temporarily postpones Pfizer vaccine campaign amid global shortage
-
19429 Views Saudi Arabia’s PIF to invest 3 trillion riyals over next 10 years: Crown Prince
-
11005 Views Coronavirus: Dubai orders hospitals to cancel surgeries amid surge in COVID-19 cases
-
9823 Views The American University of Beirut’s battle for survival
-
8315 Views Coronavirus: Dubai suspends live entertainment permits as COVID-19 cases surge
-
8312 Views Full moon to align directly above Kaaba in Mecca on Jan. 28
SHOW MORE