Secretary-General, Condemning Reported Killings of Protesters outside Republican

 

Guard Headquarters in Egypt, Seeks Investigation by Independent National Bodies

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

The Secretary-General is gravely concerned about the mounting violence in Egypt as the country’s political crisis continues.  He is deeply disturbed by the reported killings of more than 50 people at protests outside the Republican Guard headquarters in Egypt earlier today.  The Secretary-General conveys his sincere condolences to the families of the victims.

The Secretary-General condemns these killings and calls for them to be thoroughly investigated by independent and competent national bodies, and those responsible need to be brought to justice. 

The Secretary-General calls on all Egyptians to be mindful of the precarious path the country is now on and to do everything possible to avoid further escalation.  He once again urges all sides to act with maximum restraint.  Protests must remain peaceful and the security forces must abide strictly by international standards.

The Secretary-General urges all Egyptians and political parties to work constructively to forge a consensus on the way forward through peaceful means.  He notes that, for such a process to succeed, all parties and communities must be included.  The United Nations stands ready to assist as necessary.

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For information media • not an official record