EP CALLS ON EGYPT TO END STATE OF EMERGENCY AND RELEASE POLITICAL PRISONERS

Strasbourg, 7 Dzulqa’dah 1434/13 September 2013 (MINA) – European Parliament called on Egypt’s interim authorities to end the state of emergency and to release all political prisoners, including the ousted President Mohamed Morsi.

All acts of violence, terrorism and incitement in Egypt must be halted immediately, in the best interests of the country, said EP in a press release Thursday, according to Anadolu Agency report quoted by Mi’raj News Agency (MINA).

Members of EP called on the interim authorities to end the state of emergency and to release all political prisoners, including the ousted President Morsi, to create conditions for an inclusive political process.

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“MEPs condemn the security forces’ disproportionate use of force to break up the Rabaa and Nahda square sit-ins and the resulting tragic loss of life,” said the statement.

“The interim authorities and the army have a duty to ensure the security of all citizens in the country regardless their political views and affiliation, MEPs stress and call for independent investigation of all killings.”

Power should be transferred to democratically-elected civilian authorities as soon as possible, MEPs said in a resolution. “Egypt should hold free and fair presidential elections as soon as possible, open to all democratic players, say MEPs, stressing that banning or excluding any democratic political force or player can only lead to increased radicalism,” said the statement.

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“MEPs stress that the constitution drafting process and reform must lay the foundations for a truly democratic new Egypt, guaranteeing fundamental rights and freedoms, including religious freedom, for all citizens.” (T/P08/E1)

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)