Egypt has cancelled a two-day meeting of the EU-Egypt Subcommittee on Political Affairs, after the European Parliament criticized Egypt’s human rights record.
The spat began after a European Parliament resolution passed on Thursday called for Egypt to "end all forms of harassment, including judicial measures, detention of media professionals and, more generally, human rights defenders and activists." The resolution, passed by 57 MPs who were present at the session, also called for the immediate release of opposition leader Ayman Nour.
"Passing such a resolution – which harms the [European] Parliament’s relations with a country such as Egypt – with only 57 out of 700 [785] MPs present, causes the parliament to lose its prestige," Chairman of the Egyptian National Council for Human Rights, Dr. Boutros Ghali told the Egyptian daily Al-Ahram. Ghali added that Egypt’s historical ties with Europe were in jeopardy.
The Egyptian parliament – coalition and opposition alike – rejected the European Parliament resolution.
"Egypt will never accept any intervention in its internal affairs," Speaker ‘Safwat Sharif said.
The EP resolution came only days after United States President George W. Bush subtly attacked the lack of freedom in Egypt. During Bush’s visit to Egypt on January 16, he said he encouraged the activities of Egypt’s civil society.
"Progress toward greater political openness is being lead by the Egyptians themselves," Bush said. The American president hailed "pioneering journalists, bloggers and judges, who are insisting on independence, and other strong civic leaders, who love their country and are determined to build a democratic future."
Bush called on Egypt to "play a role in the freedom and justice movement." He acknowledged that Egypt had taken steps toward economic openness and democratic reform and said he hopes "the Egyptian government will build on these important steps and give the people of this proud nation a greater voice in your future."