Pics: EU urges comprehensive political process in Egypt

Cairo, July 18: The European Union (EU) foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton urged for a comprehensive political process in Egypt on Wednesday, with the participation of all groups supporting democracy.

"Egypt is in need to return swiftly to democratic transition," reported Xinhua, citing the visiting EU top diplomat who also asserted that the EU was insisting on helping the Egyptians for a better future with real freedom and economic growth.

Ashton reiterated she would meet with the interim President Adli Mansour and the interim Prime Minister Hazem el-Beblawi as well as other members of the cabinet.

On late Monday, deadly clashes between the security forces and deposed Islamist president Mohammed Morsi's supporters left at least seven people killed and 260 injured.

In Cairo

Interim President Adly Mansour, right, shaking hands with Prime Minister Hazem el-Biblawi during a swearing-in ceremony for new cabinet ministers at the presidential palace in Cairo, Egypt.

Egypt's interim president has sworn in a new Cabinet, the first since the ouster of the Islamist president by the military nearly two weeks ago. The new government, sworn in Tuesday, is led by Prime Minister Hazem el-Beblawi, an economist, and features the promotion of Defence Minister Gen. Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, who ousted Mohammed Morsi on July 3, to deputy prime minister. He also retains the defence portfolio.

In Cairo

Supporters of ousted President Mohammed Morsi, background, and opponents, foreground, throw stones towards each other during clashes on a bridge in downtown Cairo, Egypt, on Monday, July 15, 2013.

Thousands of supporters of deposed President Mohammed Morsi held mass rallies and marched in the streets to demand his return to office. The protest turned violent in downtown Cairo as police fired tear gas at pro-Morsi protesters who burned tires, threw rocks and blocked traffic flow.

In Cairo

An Egyptian riot policeman fires tear gas towards pro-Morsi supporters during clashes in downtown Cairo, Egypt on Monday, July 15, 2013. Thousands of supporters of deposed President Mohammed Morsi held mass rallies and marched in the streets to demand his return to office.

The protest turned violent in downtown Cairo as police fired tear gas at pro-Morsi protesters who burned tires, threw rocks and blocked traffic flow.

IANS