EU leaders hold back from demanding Mubarak resignation

EU leaders called on the Egyptian authorities to meet the aspirations of the Egyptian people with political reform, not repression, and to engage in an orderly transition to a broad-based government.

"The transition process must start now," reads the summit declaration, which does not go beyond calls issued this week by US President Barack Obama.

UK Prime Minister David Cameron pushed for tougher language against attempts by Mubarak to remain in power, as tens of thousands of demonstrators continued to gather in several Egyptian cities demanding his immediate resignation.

However, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi claimed that Egypt's transition to democracy should take place without breaking with Mubarak. As a result of this rift, the summit declaration on Egypt stops short of giving any indications as to Mubarak's possible political future during the transition period.

EU leaders also decided that High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy Catherine Ashton should visit Egypt and Tunisia soon (the tentative date is in two weeks' time) and that the EU should support the transition process, including the preparation and carrying out of free and fair elections.

Elections in Egypt are due in September and Mubarak indicated on Tuesday that he harboured ambitions of staying in power until then.

The declaration also puts developments in Egypt in the context of the recent 'Jasmine Revolution' in Tunisia, by saluting both peoples' "peaceful and dignified" expression of their aspirations for democracy.

For the time being, chaos may rule in Cairo and other cities, but reportedly no such turmoil is taking place near the Suez Canal or other nearby oil arteries.

The Socialist & Democrats and the Greens/European Free Alliance groups in the European Parliament blasted the Council's perceived weak reaction to developments in Egypt.

But French President Nicolas Sarkozy said the role of the European Union was not to intervene in Egypt's transition to democracy, adding that it was up to the people of Egypt to decide on their leaders. However, he warned of grave consequences if violence against journalists were to continue.

Socialists & Democrats group in the European Parliament Leader Martin Schulz hit out at the way the EU summit did not deliver a clear statement that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's time is up.

"Summit leaders appear to be taking the easy option of simply condemning the violence. They need to be much tougher and make it clear that Europe will not tolerate Mubarak clinging desperately to office. A speedy transition, involving all democrats and civil society, is urgent. 

"On foreign policy issues, the EU too often behaves like a frightened rabbit in the headlights of a car. 

"Our Union is proud of its democracy and it should be defending the rights of others around the world to live in freedom as well. Egypt is a key player in the region and an important partner for the European Union. 

"Europe must be unequivocally on the side of the demonstrators in Tahrir Square. At this historic moment for the Middle East, those brave protesters need our support. The EU summit should use all its weight to ensure that today is Mubarak's Day of Departure," Schulz maintained