Egypt is now on the road to democracy, freedom and openness, said president of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso on Thursday. He noted, however, that the Egyptian revolution is not over and that the road to democracy is littered with obstacles.
"The spirit that fueled the revolution is capable of completing it,” Barroso said in a speech delivered at the Cairo Opera House entitled “Partners in Freedom: the EU response to the Arab Spring”.
The speech was attended by a number of Egyptian ministers and ambassadors.
At the start of his speech, Barroso lamented the deaths of so many young people during the 25 January revolution. He pointed out that Europe is working toward a society free of corruption, and that such an outcome can be possible someday in Egypt as well.
"I came to Egypt to express my respect for the Egyptians and their revolution, and to reaffirm my confidence in Egypt and the Egyptian people,” said Barroso. “The world watched the protests with hopes for a better future that will include freedom and dignity.”
He went on to say that the EU does not seek to interfere with Egypt’s internal affairs.
Barroso said that democracy must come from within, and that foreign aid can only help plant its seeds. He said that with their revolution, the Egyptians have shown the courage and determination to move on to a better future.
Translated from the Arabic Edition
