Ashton urges 'inclusive' approach to solve Egypt turmoil

EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton today called for an "inclusive" approach to solve political turmoil in Egypt triggered by the ouster of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi.
Ashton, who wrapped up a two-day visit to Cairo, held meetings with top officials including army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi that focussed on Egypt's political situation.
"We talked about the importance of this inclusive process," she told reporters at the end of her third visit to Egypt since the army ousted Morsi three months ago.
"In terms of inclusiveness it means trying to involve everyone, that also means reaching out to each other," she said, suggesting the Muslim Brotherhood to which Morsi belongs also be involved in the nation's future.

Morsi has been detained since the military ousted him on July 3 following a turbulent single year in office.
On a previous visit to Cairo, Ashton became the first official to formally meet Morsi after his overthrow, holding two hours of talks with him on July 30.

Egypt's new authorities have since launched a campaign against Islamists, many belonging to the Brotherhood.
On August 14, Egyptian police and army stormed two camps of pro-Morsi supporters in Cairo, killing hundreds of protesters in a crackdown that triggered international condemnation.
However, Ashton insisted her trip was not to "interfere or mediate" in Egypt's affairs, adding that Egyptians were those who should decide their political future.