France reaffirms support for Egypt's transitional process

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius expressed his support for the transitional process in Egypt, aimed at re-establishing the democratically elected civilian institutions while respecting public freedoms. "These institutions should be open to all political movements that reject violence, in accordance with the commitments set out in the road map," Fabius said in a press statement after meeting his Egyptian counterpart Nabil Fahmy. Fahmy is currently on a visit to France to attend the Friends of Syria meeting. The statement noted that the ministers discussed the political transition in Egypt, notably in the context of the constitutional referendum to be held on January 14 and 15. They have also tackled the regional issues of common concern, the statement concluded.