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EU Leaders Urge Dialogue in Egypt


European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton arrives for an EU summit in Brussels, February 4, 2011
European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton arrives for an EU summit in Brussels, February 4, 2011

Leaders from the European Union are calling for the start of dialogue between the Egyptian government and country's opposition.

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton says it is essential that the people and the government move forward together.

British Prime Minister David Cameron, who was also attending the EU summit Friday, said Egypt should be taking steps to ensure that there is a clear, credible, transparent path towards transition.

He says that so far those steps have not met the aspirations of the Egyptian people.

Leaders from the 27-nation European Union are expected to issue a joint statement on Egypt at the end of the one-day meeting.

Meanwhile Friday, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei says the uprising in Egypt is a sign of Islamic awareness in the region. He called on Egyptians to set up an Islamic regime in their country.

The protests calling for resignation of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak entered their 11th day Friday. Mr. Mubarak, who has ruled Egypt for 30 years, says he will not seek reelection, but will remain in office until the end of his term out of fear of ensuing chaos.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.

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