European Union’s foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton has called for an end to the violence in Egypt between demonstrators and security forces ahead of Monday’s elections.
"I am deeply concerned about the clashes that took place in recent days between demonstrators and security forces in Egypt. Violence must stop and the rule of law has to be maintained. An independent investigation into these disturbing events should be carried out. Those responsible have to be held accountable,” she said in a statement.
The clashes have left more than 40 dead. Protesters at Cairo’s Tahrir Square demand the immediate end of military rule and transfer to a transitional civilian government.
Ashton added: "All political parties should reaffirm their commitment to the democratic process that Egypt has embarked upon. The swift shift of power to civilian rule is a key element of the transition and should happen as soon as possible on the basis of an inclusive dialogue. I take good note of the important commitments made by the SCAF in this regard."
The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), headed by ousted leader Hosni Mubarak’s long time Defence Minister Marshal Hussein Tantawi, has pledged to hand power to a civilian president who will be elected no later than June 2012.
Egyptians vote on Monday to elect a parliament, the first polls since a popular uprising ended President Mubarak’s 30-year-rule in February.
"I remain confident that the Egyptian people and the authorities will find a way to move peacefully forward on their path towards democracy. The upcoming elections are a very important step and I hope they can go ahead as planned," Ashton said