BRUSSEL: British Prime Minister David Cameron stepped into an EU summit Friday saying the Egyptian government’s first steps towards a promised transition "frankly" had failed to meet its people’s aspirations.
On the day set by protesters for President Hosni Mubarak to step down, Cameron also warned against "state-sponsored violence."
"We have been clear that Egypt should be taking steps to show there is a clear, credible transparent path towards transition," Cameron said.
"Frankly the steps taken so far haven’t met the aspirations of the Egyptian people.
"Today Europe’s leaders have got to show they stand ready to help and support that orderly transition."
Leaders of the 27-nation European Union were to issue a joint stand on Egypt at a one-day summit in Brussels where the original agenda — a joint energy strategy and the euro’s troubles — has been amended to take account of the turmoil in the Arab world.
Referring to Friday’s protests in Cairo, Cameron warned:
"If we see on the streets of Cairo today state-sponsored violence or the hiring of thugs to beat up protesters, then Egypt and its regime would lose any remaining credibility or support it has in the eyes of the western world, including Britain."
