"The EPP Group in the European Parliament calls on the leaderships in Bahrain, Yemen and Libya to immediately end violence against demonstrators and protesters in their countries", said Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group in a comment to the dramatic escalation of violence in the continued protest movements in the Arab world.

"Personally, and on behalf of all the 265 Members in my Group, I wish to express my deep sorrow at the many people who have lost their lives in these clashes and I also send my condolences to their families and loved ones. The loss of lives is both deeply regrettable and unnecessary. The use of violence is counter-productive for a peaceful transition towards democracy in the Arab world", said Joseph Daul.

"In a statement on the revolution in Egypt this week, I have said that a joint EU foreign policy is more necessary than ever before. In the EPP Group, we will continue to monitor closely and critically the efforts undertaken by the EU's High Representative to engage actively in any way she can in order to facilitate the transition process in the Arab world. But in order to achieve a successful EU diplomacy, the Member States must maintain an attitude of reserve towards making individual foreign policy statements and decisions, be it at governmental or parliamentary level", said the Chairman of the European Parliament's largest and most influential political group.

For further information:
Joseph DAUL MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group, Tel: +32-2-2847525
Antoine Ripoll, Chairman's Spokesman, Tel: +32-475-856290

Notes to Editors:
The EPP Group is by far the largest political group in the European Parliament with 265 Members.