Malta yesterday echoed the EU’s call for an orderly transition in Egypt, leading to free and democratic elections.

Speaking at the meeting of EU Foreign Affairs Ministers meeting in Brussels yesterday, Foreign Affairs Minister Tonio Borg said the EU should try to push for more dialogue between the government and the opposition.

Dr Borg, however, warned the EU not to act in a paternalistic manner over the turmoil in Cairo.

“Democracy is not something easy to achieve. The EU can help towards reaching this aim without the need of imposing any particular democratic model,” Dr Borg told his colleagues.

Discussing the latest developments in Egypt, the EU yesterday called for an orderly transition to a broad-based government in Egypt, saying democratic reforms were needed to create the conditions for free and fair elections.

Catherine Asthon, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, said Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak should answer the legitimate grievances of the Egyptian people.

She called for an immediate, “peaceful way forward” based on dialogue with all parts of civil society.

The ministers also tackled the recent turmoil in Tunisia and approved measures to freeze the assets of ousted President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali and his wife.

The sanctions were approved following a request from Tunisia’s new interim government.

Mr Ben Ali fled Tunisia last month after a series of protests against poverty and corruption, ending his 23 years in power. The Ben Ali family is accused of having become rich at the country’s expense.

In the meantime, the Foreign Affairs Ministry has asked relatives of Maltese on holiday in Egypt to contact the ministry on 2204 2376 or the Malta Embassy in Egypt on 00201 0331 4247.