Call for calm from the EU in Egypt

The situation in Egypt is followed very closely " in Brussels by the High Representative who expressed this evening " deep concern over reports of increased violence, clashes and arrests during today's protests in Egypt ". And to appeal for calm: The continued use of force against protesters by police and security forces is deeply disturbing. To avoid any further deterioration of the situation in Cairo or elsewhere in Egypt and to spare other victims, I reiterate my call on all parties to use restraint and remain calm. ". The High Representative also asks " the authorities to immediately and unconditionally release the peaceful demonstrators and to urgently establish a constructive and peaceful dialogue to respond to the legitimate aspirations of Egyptian citizens for socio-economic and democratic reforms ". The situation in Egypt will be on the agenda of the Foreign Affairs Council on Monday.

NB: there are already at least fifteen dead and more than 1000 injured in Suez and Cairo, according to medical sources cited by Al Jazeera. (updated Saturday morning) The official figure of 20 dead has been exceeded according to Al Jazeera, whose correspondents report a total of 53 dead on Saturday. President Mubarak announced the change of government on Friday evening. Measure not sufficient to calm the population, especially since the leader's speech on television sounded more like a call for firmness than a message of understanding from the population. (updated Saturday evening) The figure of 100 dead has been exceeded since the beginning of the demonstrations.