Germany Warns Egypt’s Morsi on Democracy

Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi headed to Berlin on Wednesday to seek European support for his embattled regime, but Germany warned that any future aid to Egypt depends on democratic progress as concern grows about Cairo's deteriorating grip on the country.

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Associated Press

Protesters hang a giant banner in the colors of Egypt's flag on barbed wires in front of soldiers at the entrance to the presidential palace in Cairo on Jan. 25.

The Egyptian leader's visit to Europe has been cut short by violent outbreaks in several Egyptian cities that have claimed more than 50 lives. Rioting and demonstrations have become so severe that the country's defense minister issued a warning to the country's political factions that was widely seen as a threat that the military could take control of the country, as it did at after the Arab Spring uprising.

Concern is growing in Berlin that months of political paralysis and nearly a week of violent protests could stunt efforts toward Egypt's democratic renewal. German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle, speaking on ARD public television ahead of Mr. Morsi's visit, said Berlin's willingness to provide financial assistance for Egypt "depends on progress in democratic development in Egypt," adding: "These last days we have seen some terrible pictures, images of violence and destruction."

In light of the wave of violence sweeping the country, Mr. Morsi cut his visit to Germany from two days to just a few hours. He will be greeted by ChancellorAngela Merkel upon his arrival in Berlin with military honors before the two retire to the chancellery for talks and to hold a news conference.

Mr. Morsi will also meet Economy Minister Philipp Rösler for talks that will focus on bilateral economic relations and the creation of a joint economic committee. According to a statement by Mr. Rösler, the Egyptian president will be traveling with a number of his cabinet ministers and a delegation of more than 100 Egyptian business leaders. They will engage in discussion with some 160 German business leaders and industry lobbyists at the founding session of the committee on Tuesday.

"Germany and the EU are very interested that Egypt advances democratic and economic reforms and creates stable conditions because these are the foundation of successful economic cooperation," Mr. Rösler said in a statement ahead of Mr. Morsi's visit.

Egypt is Germany's third-largest trading partner among the Arab states, Mr. Rösler said, with a bilateral trade volume of about €4.1 billion ($5.53 billion).