By IRNA,
Berlin : European Union’s foreign affairs supremo Catherine Ashton strongly criticized the Egyptian government on Thursday for not protecting pro-democracy protesters in the country.
“We have passed a strong message to the Egyptian authorities. I have repeatedly expressed my great concern over the reports that peaceful demonstrators have been violently attacked by armed individuals,’ Ashton said in a statement released in Brussels.
‘I have made clear that it is the responsibility of the army and law enforcement to protect its citizens. The Government is accountable for the welfare and safety of its people. Those responsible for the loss of life and injuries caused should be held accountable for their actions and brought to justice,’ she added.
Ashton called on Egyptian authorities ‘to immediately take the necessary measures to ensure that the law enforcement authorities protect the demonstrators and their right to assembly freely.’
The EU’s top diplomat also condemned the intimidation and aggression of journalists reporting on the political unrest, branding it ‘totally unacceptable.’
Ashton urged Egyptian authorities ‘to embark now on a meaningful and real transition towards genuine democratic reform, paving the way for free and fair elections.”
Deadly clashes between supporters of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and those demanding his resignation marred street protests in Cairo on Wednesday.