Ashton said she had spoken to Egyptian Foreign Minister Abu al-Gheit earlier in the day about Europe's role in the events unfolding in his country.
"I reiterated that no matter what happens in the next hours and days, the European Union stands ready to help build the deep democracy that will underpin stability for the people of Egypt," she said in a statement ahead of an address by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.
The EU will be ready with "a package of measures" to help and support the transition she told the minister.
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