LOC16:18
13:18 GMT
BRUSSELS, June 2 (KUNA) -- EU High Representative Catherine Ashton Sunday
reiterated the EU's firm commitment to supporting the civil society in Egypt,
saying it has a crucial role to play in the ongoing transition towards
democracy.
A statement by Ashton's spokesman, Michael Mann, said that the EU has
engaged with the Egyptian government and has provided technical advice to the
authorities in the process of drafting a new law on associations, the NGO Law.
"The High Representative salutes this readiness to engage and the resulting
improvements in the draft just submitted to the Shoura Council," he said.
"However, the High Representative fears that the draft law still contains
elements that can unnecessarily constrain the work of NGOs in Egypt and hinder
our capacity as a foreign donor to support their work," noted the statement.
"The draft law has to be in line with international standards and
obligations of Egypt The EU remains fully committed to working closely with
all stakeholders to ensure that an NGO law, fully in line with best regional
and international practice is adopted in Egypt," it added.
Meanwhile, in a separate statement Mann said the EU High Representative
"expresses deep concern at the violence that occurred in Istanbul and some
other cities in Turkey, and regrets disproportionate use of force by members
of the Turkish police".
Ashton calls for restraint on all sides and an end to the violence.
Dialogue should be opened to find a peaceful solution to this issue, he added.
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