CAIRO (AP) — More than 20 Egyptian rights groups said authorities excluded them at the last minute from a meeting Tuesday with a visiting European Union delegation aimed at boosting ties with the 27-nation bloc.

The rights groups alleged the decision reflects the disregard for human rights of the government of Egypt’s new Islamist president, Mohammed Morsi, and a continuation of the policy of the ousted regime of Hosni Mubarak and the country’s transitional military rulers. They also lamented the lack of political will to strengthen human rights or involve the groups in decision making.