Catherine Ashton: EU backs free and fair elections in EgyptFebruary 11, 2011 - 21:14 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said on Friday she respected Hosni Mubarak's decision to stand down as Egyptian president and called for dialogue for the formation of a broad-based government. In a statement, Ashton also said the European Union shared the objective of the Egyptian people for an orderly transition to democracy and free and fair elections in Egypt. "The EU respects President Mubarak's decision today. By standing down, he has listened to the voices of the Egyptian people and has opened the way to faster and deeper reforms," Ashton said. "It is important now that the dialogue is accelerated leading to a broad-based government which will respect the aspirations of, and deliver stability for, the Egyptian people." Ashton said respect for fundamental human rights was key, and all abuses during the unrest must be investigated. "The future of Egypt rightly remains in the hands of the Egyptian people. The EU stands ready to help in any way it can," Reuters quoted her as saying. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 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". Partner news | Power of One Dram sums up two-year program with Teach for Armenia Idram Junior also joined the companies during the visit, bringing with it a fascinating intellectual game for children Moscow slams EU mission in Armenia for “provocative activity” The EU mission is doing more and more against Armenia’s neighbors Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran, Mikhail Galuzin said. Yerevan Mayor to travel to Paris on May 15-19 The official delegation headed by Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan will travel to Paris from May 15 to 19. Armenia, India hold first defense consultations The meeting was attended by Indian Ambassador Nilakshi Saha Sinha and Defense Attaché Brigadier General Naveen Nijhawan. |