November 21, 2011
UN Chief urges Egypt to allow peaceful protest
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A riot policeman aims a shotgun with rubber bullets at protesters in a side street near Tahrir Square in Cairo on Nov. 21. Photo by REUTERS/Goran Tomasevic
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed deep concern on Monday about violence in Egypt and called on authorities to guarantee the right to peaceful protest.
Ban “is deeply concerned about the violence in Egypt during the last few days, particularly in Cairo,” said a statement issued by his spokesman Martin Nesirky as Cairo police fought protesters demanding an end to army rule for a third day.
“He deplores the loss of life and the many injuries,” the statement added. Morgue officials said the death toll had risen to 33.
Nesirky said Ban called on Egypt’s transitional authorities to guarantee the protection of human rights and civil liberties for all Egyptians, including the right to peaceful protest.
“He urges restraint and calm by all parties to enable a peaceful and inclusive electoral process as part of Egypt’s transition to democracy and the early establishment of civilian rule.”
Reporting by Patrick Worsnip; Editing by Cynthia Osterman
