European Parliament official: “no mention of sanctions against Egypt”

Head of the European Parliament's Delegation for relations with the Mashreq countries (DMAS) Marisa Matias on Wednesday said “no mention of sanctions against Egypt and no possibility of such”.

Matias added that the delegation recommendations asserted that Egypt is a friendly country of the EU's and called for promoting and deepening relations with Egypt in all fields. 

She added that the European Union is aware of the security challenges in the Middle East and Europe, pointing out that the union needs to support cooperation with Egypt to combat terrorism, violence and extremism.

The six-member delegation met with President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, Egyptian parliament members, representatives of Human rights organizations, the Al Azhar grand Imam and Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria and Patriarch of the St. Mark Diocese. 

The European official aims at greater understanding of the needs of cooperation between Egypt and the European Union. 

The talks with Egyptian officials tackled ways of restoring stability and the situation in Syria, Libya, Iraq and Yemen as well as the fight against illegal immigration and human rights issues, Matias said. 

She stressed the importance of enhancing Egyptian-European relations and the continuation of the European support to Egypt. 

The European official hailed the Egyptian authorities for paying most attention to the Regeni case and hailed the Egyptian government efforts in facing economic, social and security challenges. 

Matias denied inviting the Muslim Brotherhood to take part in the European Parliament committees.

Source: MENA