EGYPT

Press Statement

The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), at its 299th meeting held on 22 November 2011, was briefed on the latest developments in the situation in Egypt by the Commissioner for Peace and Security and the Permanent Representative of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the AU.

Council recalled Communiqué PSC/PR/COMM.(CCLX) and Press Statement PSC/PR/BR.3(CCLXVIII), adopted at its 260th and 268th meetings held on 16 February and 23 March 2011, respectively, in which it noted, in particular, the profound aspiration of the Egyptian people, especially the youth, to change and the opening of the political space in order to be able to democratically elect institutions that are truly representative and respectful of fundamental freedoms and human rights.

Council expressed its deep concern at the violent incidents that occurred in Egypt in recent days, and deplored the loss of lives that has been recorded. Council strongly appealed for utmost restraint from all the stakeholders concerned, in particular the authorities of the transition and the security forces. Council urged all the Egyptian stakeholders to work closely together to complete the ongoing transition and ensure that it leads to results that meet the expectations of the Egyptian people. In this context, Council took note of the announced electoral chronogram, and called for its consensual implementation.

Council requested the Chairperson of the Commission and the Panel of the Wise to continue to closely monitor the developments of the situation and to extend every possible support to facilitate the completion of the transition through the election of democratic Institutions, as a follow up to the visits they made to Egypt in March and April 2011.