Egypt: Military Must Stay Out of Politics

Egypt: Military Must Stay Out of Politics

Brussels, 4 July 2013 - The ITUC respects the courage of the Egyptian people in demanding inclusive and democratic government. Egypt’s military must now stay out of politics and allow a quick return to democracy under a constitution that ensures the rights of all. The army ousted President Mohamed Morsi yesterday, replacing him with Constitutional Court head Adli Mansour, and suspended the country’s controversial Constitution.

Sharan Burrow, ITUC General Secretary, said “Twelve months of autocratic and partisan rule, followed by the military ousting President Morsi, are a huge setback for democracy. Egypt now has a second chance to build a democracy that respects the rights and interests of all women and men, and guarantees social justice. The military needs to stay out of the way and allow civilians to chart the course for the future. The past year has seen a government which seemed more interested in changing Egypt’s legal and social framework to fit the ideology of one segment of the population, while the national economy collapsed through political neglect. Massive unemployment, economic insecurity, denial of workers’ legitimate rights and discrimination against women were all key factors in the growing discontent. The divisions in Egypt are deeper than ever before and people need to see, quickly, open and genuine dialogue to achieve a truly democratic system that unifies rather than divides.”

Dozens of people have been killed during the recent demonstrations, hundreds more have been injured and vicious sexual assaults against some 100 women demonstrators around Tahrir Square alone have been reported in the past four days.

“There is a real danger that violence will escalate, and people require both protection from physical threat and confidence that a fair and open political process is underway,” said Burrow.

The ITUC represents 175 million workers in 156 countries and territories and has 315 national affiliates. Follow us on the web: http://www.ituc-csi.org and http://www.youtube.com/ITUCCSI

ENDS

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