Photograph by Thierry Ehrmann
Baroness Ashton, the European Union’s foreign policy and security chief, became the first official to meet with Mohammed Morsi since he was deposed by the Egyptian military on 3rd July.
Ashton’s spokesperson Maja Kocijancic revealed that the EU’s high representative had “in-depth” discussions for two hours with the ousted leader after being taken to his location by helicopter. The content and locations of the discussions have not been revealed.
HRVP #Ashton visited Mohammed #Morsi on Monday evening. Had two hour in-depth discussion. #Egypt
— Maja Kocijancic (@AshtonSpox_Maja) July 30, 2013
The Baroness’ visit comes after continued protests by members of the Muslim Brotherhood calling for the reinstatement of Morsi as Egyptian president and an end to the military coup. These protests have seen more than 70 people killed in clashes with security forces in recent days, with the Brotherhood planning further protests later today.
There is currently no flexibility coming from either side, with Muslim Brotherhood and Anti-Coup National Alliance members stating that they will continue their protests until Morsi is reinstated, whilst the military-backed interim President Adli Mansour has said that the hands of the clock cannot be turned back.
Ashton also met with General Abdul Fattah al-Sisi and a number of Egyptian ministers during her trip, with many hope that the discussions have resulted in finding some common ground to start a process of reconciliation between the two sides.
