CAIRO – Following the footsteps of their American allies, the European Union is not ruling out holding official contacts with the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Al-Ahram Online reported.
"We are always open to dialogue with anyone who is interested in democracy," said Michael Mann, spokesperson for EU's High Representative Catherine Ashton.
Established in 1928 in Egypt, the Muslim Brotherhood is the most powerful opposition force in the country.
For years, the Muslim Brotherhood was banned and its leaders were repressed by governments since the 1950s.
But the group has emerged as the most powerful group after the overthrow of president Hosni Mubarak.
The Brotherhood has an overwhelmingly lay leadership of professionals with modern educations -- engineers, doctors, lawyers, academics and teachers.
The core membership is middle-class or lower middle-class.
Mann said EU's High Representative Ashton met with representatives of the Muslim Brotherhood and other political groups during her four visits since Mubarak's ouster.
This dialogue could expand provided "we are talking on the (establishment of) a pluralistic political regime that allows people not just to elect their governments but to kick them out as well," he said.
"It is important that everybody is given the time to form political parties (and to prepare adequately) so when elections happen it is pluralistic."
The European move comes days after Washington said it would hold contacts with the Muslim Brotherhood.
"We believe, given the changing political landscape in Egypt, that it is in the interests of the United States to engage with all parties that are peaceful and committed to nonviolence, that intend to compete for the parliament and the presidency," US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said earlier this month.
"And we welcome, therefore, dialogue with those Muslim Brotherhood members who wish to talk with us."
The Muslim Brotherhood opposes the US policies in the Middle East and its wavering support to Israel.
It has historic links with the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas and shares its belief in armed struggle against Israel.
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