EU MPs regret not condemning human rights abuses in Egypt

Lawmakers in the European Parliament have regretted what they called the lack of “a resolution condemning the continuing violations against human rights in Egypt”.

The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe Party (ALDE Party), the third largest political group in the European Parliament made the statement on Tuesday during a plenary session to discuss relations between the European Union and Egypt.

The group said it regrets that “human rights violations continue despite Cairo’s commitment to intensify efforts to promote democracy, fundamental freedoms and human rights”.

Group leader, Guy Verhofstadt, called on EU Commissioner for Security and Foreign Policy Federica Mogherini to “press Egypt to fulfil its obligations”, noting that the Egyptian authorities are taking “terrible measures against their citizens, whether they are human rights defenders, journalists or political opponents”.

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The European Parliament urged Mogherini to “use all available means, including financial assistance and trade measures, to urge the Egyptian authorities to respect their obligations in this regard”.

The partnership agreement between Egypt and the EU should contribute to a real change in people’s lives including those who struggle for freedom of expression or holding their government accountable, within a more open and pluralistic society based on the rule of law

it said.