EU foreign policy chief meets ousted Egypt PresidentJuly 30, 2013 - 11:02 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton met ousted Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi late on Monday, July 29 and held two hours of "in depth" discussions, Ashton's spokesperson said, according to Reuters. Spokesperson Maja Kocijancic said on her Twitter account that the meeting had taken place, but did not say where. Morsi has been in detention since he was ousted after the military-backed interim government placed the deposed Islamist under investigation on charges that include murder. Ashton is on her second visit to Cairo in 12 days as one of the few outsiders able to speak to both sides in Egypt's political crisis. She is expected to speak to reporters later on Tuesday, Reuters said. On Monday, Ashton met General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the head of the army and the man behind Morsi's overthrow. She also held talks with members of the interim government installed by the army, and representatives of the Freedom and Justice Party, the Brotherhood's political wing. Before arriving, she said she would press for a "fully inclusive transition process, taking in all political groups, including the Muslim Brotherhood". The EU has attempted to mediate in the political crisis over the past six months as Egyptians have grown increasingly suspicious of U.S. involvement. President Barack Obama delayed delivery last week of four F-16 fighter jets to Egypt, in a gesture of displeasure at the turn of events. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Court in Azerbaijan extends former Karabakh leader’s arrest by 5 months The Binagadi District Court in Azerbaijan has granted the prosecutor’s petition to extend the arrest of Arkady Ghukasyan. Ucom General Director joins High-Tech Development Panel Discussion The discussion was titled "The Role of International Corporations and Investors as Catalysts for Development of High-Tech Ecosystem." Dozens detained as antigovernment protest continue in Armenia At least 63 people demanding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation were detained on May 14 as they blocked streets in Yerevan. Armenian army holding strategic command, staff drills Live firing will be carried out using automatic control systems and modern equipment. |