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<p>Egypt has been going through a difficult political transition for over three years.
In July 2013, the interim Egyptian Government set out a new roadmap towards Presidential
and Parliamentary elections. A referendum on a new constitution was held in January
2014 and was an important milestone. We welcomed the provisions in the new constitution
for the protection of the rights of minorities and women and the transition to democracy
in Egypt. However, we were concerned by the closure of political space for opposition
groups in the run-up to the referendum and the arrest and sentencing of human rights
activists. Egypt is now preparing for Presidential elections to be held from 26 –
27 May, which will be observed by an EU Election Observation Mission. Parliamentary
elections are due to take place later in the year and are an important step.</p><p>We
continue to monitor closely political developments in Egypt. We are concerned about
the Protest Law; the prison sentences handed down to three democracy and human rights
activists; restrictions on freedom of the press; and the sentencing to death of a
large number of people without proper legal process in an Egyptian court in Minya.
These cases undermine international confidence in the progress towards reform and
democratisation in Egypt. We are also concerned at the rising number of terrorist
attacks in Egypt. Our thoughts are with the families of those killed and wounded and
all those affected.</p><p>The UK continues to believe that the only sustainable way
for Egypt to address its current challenges is through an inclusive political process
which allows all Egyptians a voice in the country's future. The UK stands ready to
support the Egyptian people in achieving this.</p>
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