Merkel urges Arab states to respect human rights

By Ayhan Simsek

BERLIN (AA) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called on Arab states to respect human rights and promote civil society, for stability and economic development in their region.

Speaking to reporters in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, on Monday, Merkel said the European Union has a strong interest in economic prosperity of Arab countries.

"But I am also convinced that this can only be achieved if there is a strong civil society and if human rights are respected," she stressed.

Merkel, who arrived Egypt for a two-day summit of the EU and the Arab League member states, called on Arab states to take measures to promote civil society organizations and ensure the protection of minorities.

However, she refrained from openly criticizing the Egyptian government amid an international uproar over the execution of the nine young people last week.

Amnesty International said they were convicted of terrorism charges after "grossly unfair trials" marred by alleged torture.

Ahead of Merkel’s visit to Sharm el-Sheikh, German lawmakers called on the chancellor to raise human rights at the EU-Arab League summit and in bilateral talks with the Egyptian leaders.

In June 2015, German industrial giant Siemens signed an 8 billion euro deal ($9 billion) with Egypt to supply gas and wind power plants.

The deal was inked during an official visit of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to Germany.