Legislative Observatory
European Parliament
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Resolution on the situation in Egypt

2013/2542(RSP)

 The European Parliament adopted a resolution the situation in Egypt.

The resolution was tabled by the Greens/EFA, EPP, S&D, ALDE, and ECR groups.

Parliament expresses its deep concern at the increasing internal polarisation within Egyptian society and continuing violent incidents, calling on Egyptian authorities to act in strict accordance with international standards and reform the police and security forces and to abolish all laws that allow for the unrestricted use of violence by police and security forces against civilians. Members are particularly alarmed over the rise in violence against female protesters and women's rights activists, calling on President Morsi to adopt the anti-harassment legislation proposed by women's rights activists. Parliament urges the EU:

  • to develop the ‘more for more’ principle, with a particular focus on civil society, women's rights and minority rights. This must include clear conditions and benchmarks should the Egyptian Government steer away from democratic reforms and respect for human rights not to grant any budgetary support to the Egyptian authorities if no major progress is made regarding respect for human rights and freedoms, democratic governance and the rule of law.

In the wake of the death sentences handed down on 26 January 2013 to 21 supporters of the Al-Masry football club, Members reiterates the EU's strong position against the death penalty and call for the sentences to be commuted.

Noting that the Egyptian Electoral Commission suspended the parliamentary elections that were to be held in April 2013, Parliament calls on the Egyptian Government to use this period to establish an inclusive political process based on consensus through a genuine national dialogue with the meaningful participation of all democratic political forces.

The resolution calls on the Egyptian Government to:

  • develop a proper legal framework to guarantee the right to peaceful demonstrations;
  • allow civil society organisations to operate without undue constraints;
  • end the prosecution of civilians in military courts.

Lastly, Parliament urges the EU to make further significant efforts aimed at facilitating the return of misappropriated assets stolen by the former regime to the people of Egypt.