Top EU diplomat heads to Egypt for talks with new regime
I am going to Egypt to reinforce our message that there must be a fully inclusive political process
CAIRO, July 17, 2013 (AFP) - The European Union's top diplomat was heading for Cairo Wednesday, a day after an interim government was sworn in to replace Islamist president Mohamed Morsi, toppled by the military two weeks ago.
Announcing the surprise visit, the office of EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said her visit was to press the case for a swift return to democratic rule.
“I am going to Egypt to reinforce our message that there must be a fully inclusive political process, taking in all groups which support democracy,” Ashton said.
Both the Muslim Brotherhood, the influential movement from which Morsi hails, and the ultra-conservative Al-Nur party refused to take part in the new administration.
Brotherhood spokesman Gehad El-Haddad immediately rejected the 35-member cabinet that was sworn in on Tuesday.
The government is headed by liberal economist Hazem al-Beblawi.Army chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the general behind the popularly backed coup that overthrew Morsi, becomes first deputy prime minister and minister of defence.Tuesday's swearing-in ceremony took place just hours after deadly clashes between the security forces and Morsi's supporters in Cairo and nearby Giza.