The Secretary-General spoke today with EU High Representative Catherine Ashton following her visit to Egypt. The Secretary-General shared with the EU High Representative his deep concern about the direction of the transition in Egypt and particularly about the continued detentions in the country.  He said it was welcome and important that the EU High Representative had seen Mr. Mohamed Morsy and he reiterated his call to release Mr. Morsy and senior Muslim Brotherhood officials.  They stressed the importance of an inclusive political process which would take into account views and aspirations of all parts of Egypt's political spectrum.

The Secretary-General and the EU High Representative also discussed the Middle East peace process. The Secretary-General expressed his hope for the success of the current efforts to bring the Israelis and Palestinians together at the negotiating table, and the UN’s readiness to work with the EU and other partners in the Quartet to support the process.