EU urges comprehensive political process in Egypt

The European Union (EU) foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton on Wednesday urged for comprehensive political process in Egypt, with the participation of all groups supporting democracy. The visiting EU top diplomat said in a statement that "Egypt is in need to return swiftly to democratic transition," asserting the EU is insisting on helping the Egyptian people to a better future with real freedom and economic growth. Ashton reiterated she will meet with the interim President Adli Mansour and the interim Prime Minister Hazem el-Beblawi as well as other members of the cabinet. Ashton will also hold talks with other political forces and representatives, including Amr Darrag and Mohamed Bishr, both of whom held cabinet posts in Morsi's government as Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, and Local Development Minister respectively, Haddad said on Twitter page. Gehad El-Haddad, Muslim Brotherhood's (MB) spokesman, said two MB senior figures will meet with Ashton. Ashton's visit came after announcing Egypt's first interim government on Tuesday amid political stalemate with the Islamic forces who insist on protests till their legitimate leader return to power and the state increases political polarization. On late Monday, deadly clashes between the security forces and the deposed Islamist president's supporters left at least seven people killed and more 260 injured.