The European Union's foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton Saturday called for an end to the violence in Egypt between demonstrators and security forces just two days before elections start.
“I am deeply concerned about the clashes that took place in recent days between demonstrators and security forces in Egypt. Violence must stop and the rule of law has to be maintained. An independent investigation into these disturbing events should be carried out. Those responsible have to be held accountable,” Ashton said in a statement about the clashes, which have left more than 42 dead and thousands injured.
Protesters have taken to Cairo's Tahrir Square for an eighth day Saturday demanding the immediate end of military rule and the transfer of power to a transitional civilian government.
"All political parties should reaffirm their commitment to the democratic process that Egypt has embarked upon," Ashton said.
"The swift shift of power to civilian rule is a key element of the transition and should happen as soon as possible on the basis of an inclusive dialogue," she added, noting the commitments made by the SCAF.
The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), headed by ousted leader Hosni Mubarak's long time defense minister Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi, has pledged to hand power to a civilian president who will be elected no later than June 2012.
Meanwhile on Monday parliamentary elections get under way with the first polls since a popular uprising ended Mubarak's 30-year rule in February.
"I remain confident that the Egyptian people and the authorities will find a way to move peacefully forward on their path towards democracy. The upcoming elections are a very important step and I hope they can go ahead as planned," Ashton said.
