BERLIN, July 9, 2012 (AFP)
BERLIN, July 9, 2012 (AFP)
German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle will travel to Egypt Monday for talks with new President Mohamed Morsi, as a power struggle between the government and the military escalated.
Westerwelle’s two-day visit, billed as the first by a Western foreign minister since last month’s presidential election, will also include talks with his counterpart Mohammed Kamel Amr and Arab League chief Nabil al-Arabi.
“The trip is part of the German government’s continuous efforts to support Egyptians in their democratic transformation,” foreign ministry spokesman Dirk Augustin said at a briefing.
“Following the presidential election, Minister Westerwelle would like to have close contact with the political leaders and encourage further progress in the democratisation of the country.”
Germany, one of the biggest financial backers of Egypt’s transition since the ouster of veteran president Hosni Mubarak last year, wants to see the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) cede power to freely elected forces in the country, diplomats said.
This would include the reinstatement of the parliament, the naming of a democratically legitimate civilian government and a transparent constitutional process, aides to Westerwelle said.
Germany is also particularly concerned about Egypt’s relations with Israel and Westerwelle will call on Morsi to uphold a historic 1979 peace treaty between the two countries.
In a speech to the nation after his victory was confirmed, Morsi pledged to respect international treaties signed by Cairo.
Germany is Israel’s closest European ally, rooted in the country’s historical responsibility for the Holocaust.
Morsi, a leading member of the Muslim Brotherhood, made waves Sunday by ordering the return of the dissolved parliament in an open challenge to the military that had enforced a court decision last month to disband the Islamist-led legislature.
The move was expected to heighten tensions with the SCAF, which ruled the country after Mubarak was toppled in a popular uprising and until Morsi was sworn in last month.
