EP delegation: aware of security threat posed to Egypt

A European Parliament delegation said Sunday they are fully aware of social, economic and security challenges facing Egypt.

In a statement at the end of their visit to Egypt, the delegation said the government should continue carrying out economic, social and democratic reforms to meet the aspirations of the Egyptian people.

The delegation was led by Germany's Elmar Brok, chairman of the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs.

The delegation stressed the importance of an active and independent role of the civil society as an essential component of any democratic society.

"We are aware of the security threat facing Egypt, especially by Daesh-linked groups in Sinai," the delegation said.

"During our meetings in Cairo, we expressed our commitment to the Egyptian authorities to jointly overcome the common challenge of terrorism, and we believe that there is a need to combat terrorism within the framework of respect for the law," it added.

A national reconciliation process that brings together all the forces that do not use violence in the framework of an inclusive political process, is a sustainable way to ensure long-term stability and prosperity, the statement added.

The European Parliament is ready to provide assistance to Egypt in partnership with the Egyptian authorities and in coordination with the international community, it said.

Egypt will continue to be a major player in the Middle East and North Africa and an indispensable element for finding solutions to the current challenges, such as migration and regional conflicts, whether in Libya or Syria or the peace process in the Middle East, the statement said.

Source: MENA