London 21st March 2011
The Council for European Palestinian Relations (CEPR) organised a European parliamentary delegation to Egypt between the 17th and 20th March to assess the political situation there after the popular uprising which overthrew President Hosni Mubarak and to discuss how this is likely to affect key Palestinian issues.
Led by Lord David Steel, the CEPR delegation met with the Egyptian youth leadership, leaders and representatives from different Egyptian political parties such as the Muslim Brotherhood, Kefaya party, Al-Wafd party, El-Wassat party and Al-Ghad party which is lead by Ayman Nour who is likely to be a presidential candidate.
The delegation also held meetings with representatives from Human Rights Organisations, NGOs and some public figures such as Tareq El-Bishry, the framer of the amendments to the Egyptian Constitution.
Delegates also held meetings with the Secretary General of the Arab League Amr Moussa, Egyptian officials from the Foreign Affairs Ministry and both the UK and the EU Ambassadors in Cairo, Dominic Asquith and Marc Franco.
The issues of the presidential and parliamentary elections in Egypt as well as the referendum on amendments to the constitution were discussed during the meetings as the delegation's visit coincided with voting on the referendum.
The crucial issues of the illegal Israeli occupation of Palestinian land and the Egyptian role in the illegal blockade of the Gaza Strip were discussed prominently in the meetings. When asked if the Egyptian policies towards the Palestinians and in Rafah crossing in particular were going to change, Mr Moussa answered "Yes for sure...Rafah crossing has to be a normal crossing point with whatever has been agreed with Europe and others. So we will get back to that point...the previous regime has gone far in having restrictions and a steel wall and this will not continue"
The delegation included prominent members of the European, British, Irish, Scottish and Polish Parliaments.
Based in Brussels and London, the CEPR is an independent organisation working towards peace based on justice for the Palestinians in particular and promoting dialogue and understanding between European, Palestinian and Arab Parliamentarians and policy-makers.
For more information:
Ayman Abuawwad +44 (0) 2076638052 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
ENDS