European Parliament threatens to halt funds to Egypt, citing Port Said death sentences, human rights violations, and lack of political consensus in Egypt.
The European (EU) Parliament passed a resolution threatening to withhold budget support to Egypt if it fails to take significant steps to abide by human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
In a plenary session on Thursday, the parliament reminded the European Union, that the 5-billion-euro aid package it allocated to Egypt for 2012-2013 is conditional on respect of human rights, democracy and economic governance.
The parliament demanded it "set clear conditions for its aid to Egypt" with a focus on promoting civil society, women's rights and minority rights in the country.
Members also called for Egypt's judiciary to commute the death sentences meted out on 26 January to 21 football fans implicated in the Port Said stadium disaster and demanded a moratorium on the death penalty in Egypt.
Source: Ahram Online, Friday 15 Mar 2013