Joint Statement by Secretary of State Kerry and EU High Representative Ashton
Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
August 7, 2013
In the spirit of supporting Egypt’s democratic transition, two senior representatives of the United States and the EU,
Deputy Secretary of State Bill Burns and Special Representative for the Southern Mediterranean Bernardino Leon, have
been working together intensively over the past week to urge the government and opposition parties to begin a process of
genuine reconciliation, and move ahead inclusively to consider amendments to the Constitution and prepare as quickly as
possible for Parliamentary and Presidential elections. They have cooperated closely in this effort with visiting senior
representatives from the UAE and Qatar.
Mindful of the limits of our role, but deeply concerned about Egypt’s future and what is at stake at this critical time,
we have suggested a number of practical ideas to calm current tensions and help Egyptians build a bridge toward a real
political dialogue. These have included a series of modest confidence building measures, including public statements
condemning violence and supporting peaceful resolution of political differences; a commitment to meaningful
negotiations, requiring compromises and broad political participation; an end to incitement in public statements and the
media; steps to scale down and ease tensions surrounding the ongoing demonstrations at Raba’a al-Adawiya and Nahda
Squares; and immediately beginning the process of releasing detained political figures. These ideas remain available for
the parties even now, and our engagement at all levels continues on a daily basis.
While further violent confrontations have thus far been avoided, we remain concerned and troubled that government and
opposition leaders have not yet found a way to break a dangerous stalemate and agree to implement tangible confidence
building measures. The Egyptian government bears a special responsibility to begin this process to ensure the safety and
welfare of its citizens. This remains a very fragile situation, which holds not only the risk of more bloodshed and
polarization in Egypt, but also impedes the economic recovery which is so essential for Egypt’s successful transition.
Now is not the time to assess blame, but to take steps that can help initiate a dialogue and move the transition
forward.
We remain ready to help in any way that we can. As the holy feast of Eid al-Fitr approaches, this is a moment for
leadership, vision, and magnanimity – a unifying moment when Egyptians should look ahead at what is at risk and what
they have to gain through genuine reconciliation. These are choices which only Egyptians can make, and there is nothing
neat or easy about any of them. But if they can make those hard but positive choices, Egyptians will find determined
partners in Europe and America.
We take this moment to reaffirm that the United States and the European Union remain deeply committed to a strong,
democratic, inclusive and prosperous Egypt. We recognize that many challenges lie ahead, but we also believe that much
is possible for Egyptians. We are convinced that a successful democratic transition can help Egypt lead the rest of the
region toward a better future, as it has so often done during its rich and proud history.
We both understand fully that only Egyptians can make the choices that will shape their future at this historic moment.
We support basic democratic principles, not any particular personalities or parties. We are firmly opposed to violence,
support the right to non-violent protests, and realize that progress in Egypt can only come through a peaceful political
process in which all parties can compete on an equal footing.
ENDS