Secretary-General Very Concerned by Resurgence of Violence in Cairo,

 

Calls for Transitional Authorities to Uphold Human Rights

 

The following statement was issued on 18 December by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is very concerned by the resurgence of violence in Cairo, which has led to a number of civilian deaths and hundreds of injuries.  The Secretary-General is highly alarmed by the excessive use of force employed by the security forces against protestors and calls for the transitional authorities to act with restraint and uphold human rights, including the right to peaceful protest.  The Secretary-General underlines the importance of an atmosphere of calm to support Egypt’s electoral process as part of its transition to democracy and the early establishment of civilian rule.

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For information media • not an official record