EU foreign policy chief Ashton to meet interim leaders and urge democracy on Egypt trip

BRUSSELS - Agence France-Presse

Supporters of Egypt's ousted President Mohamed Morsi block Giza square during a march near Cairo University, where protesters have been camped out, in Giza, late July 15. AP photo

The European Union's top diplomat Catherine Ashton will travel to Egypt on Wednesday to urge leaders to return to the path of democracy "as rapidly as possible."

The EU foreign policy chief will meet with leaders of the interim government and other political forces as well as civil society to "underline that Egypt needs to return as rapidly as possible to its democratic transition," she said in a statement July 16.

"I am going to Egypt to reinforce our message that there must be a fully inclusive political process, taking in all groups which support democracy," Ashton said.

"The EU is determined to help the Egyptian people on their journey to a better future of real freedom and economic growth." The surprise announcement came hours after the swearing in of Egypt's first interim government since the military toppled President Mohamed Morsi two weeks ago, after deadly clashes between the security forces and the deposed Islamist's supporters.

The Muslim Brotherhood, the influential movement from which Morsi hails, immediately rejected the 35-member cabinet.