Parts of an EU draft resolution concerning developments in Egypt were leaked from Brussels Sunday.
The draft, which will be announced at a meeting of EU foreign ministers on Monday, calls on the interim authorities in Egypt to protect civilians with full respect for human rights and the rule of law.
It also supports Egypt's transition towards pluralism, democracy and stability, praises the elections of the People's Assembly and the Shura Council, and reiterates the importance of handing power over to a civilian authority as soon as possible.
But the European Council expressed serious concern with regard to limitations on civil society organizations working in Egypt, which it says play an important role in the transitional period.
The council is expected to announce financial aid to Egypt, open more trade opportunities and discuss ways to encourage freedom of movement, migration and security now that more than a year has passed since the beginning of the 25 January revolution.
It has also called on Egypt to drop criminal charges against employees of civil society organizations.
Translated from Al-Masry Al-Youm
