Egypt Recalls Eu Envoys Over Criticism Of Rights Record

Egypt has recalled ambassadors of the European Union (E.U.) countries to protest a recent EU statement critical of the country's human rights record.



In a Tuesday statement, the Foreign Ministry said the EU envoys were summoned to express "Egypt's rejection of the E.U. statement [which] sends a negative message at a time when Egypt was fighting terrorism".



The ministry said that the E.U. statement reflects "double standards in the European stance seeking to rally international support against terrorism".



"The statement, which was issued at a time when terrorist operations were on the rise in the region and Egypt…raises questions about the E.U. stance on international efforts against terrorism," the statement said.



In a recent statement to the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva, the E.U. has expressed concern over the human rights record in Egypt, citing "random detention of activists and opposition figures".



It also expressed concern over the killings of protesters and security forces since June 30, 2013 – the mass protests that led to the ouster of elected president Mohamed Morsi by the military.



The E.U. statement also condemned terrorist attacks in Sinai and across Egypt, which claimed the lives of many civilians and security forces.



By Mohamed Hendawi



englishnews@aa.com.tr



www.aa.com.tr/en - Kahire