There are no “alternatives” in Egypt to “serious political negotiations inclusive of all the political forces whom the leaders have allowed full freedom of movement and expression”, asserted Minister for Foreign Affairs Emma Bonino, who will brief the parliament tomorrow, 31 July, on the situation in Egypt and the Middle East. Italy’s position, according to the minister, is in sync with the stance expressed by EU High Representative for Foreign Policy Catherine Ashton, on her second mission to Cairo in 12 days in the hopes that a “process of transition embracing all political parties”, including the Muslim Brotherhood, will be launched.
National reconciliation
According to Minister Bonino, recent episodes of violence confirmed the urgency of “immediate serious encounter between all the Egyptian political forces with a view to national reconciliation”. A priority, accompanied by Italy’s willingness to prepare humanitarian initiatives should they become necessary, which will be at the centre of her briefing before the joint Upper and Lower House Foreign Affairs Commissions.
