Egypt: amid mounting tensions, Ban encourages peaceful dialogue, non-violence

With many “strong and opposing opinions” being expressed in Egypt, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has stressed the right of the people to demonstrate peacefully and called on all parties in the country “to respect this right and to uphold the law.”

“[The Secretary-General] strongly encourages Egyptians to remain committed to the universal principles of peaceful dialogue and non-violence,” the UN chief said in a statement issued yesterday evening by a spokesperson in New York.

Further to the statement, the Secretary-General has noted that strong and opposing opinions are being expressed throughout the country, and he recognized the need for the continued strengthening of democratic processes and an inclusive environment in which the Egyptian people can discuss and resolve their differences.

“The international community has a duty to accompany this transition with sustained interest and meaningful contributions in the interest of all Egyptians,” Mr. Ban added in the statement.

Egypt has been undergoing a halting democratic transition following the toppling of President Hosni Mubarak two years ago in the wake of mass protests similar to those seen in other parts of the Middle East and North Africa as part of the “Arab Spring.”