UN Secretary-General Strongly Condemns Use of Force against Protesters in Cairo
New York, Aug 14 2013 - Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned in the strongest terms the violence that occurred today
in Cairo when Egyptian security services used force to clear sit-ins and demonstrations, and urged all Egyptians to
focus on promoting inclusive reconciliation.
The crackdown comes just days after Mr. Ban renewed his call for all sides in Egypt to reconsider their actions in light
of new political realities and the imperative to prevent further loss of life.
“The Secretary-General regrets that Egyptian authorities chose instead to use force to respond to the ongoing
demonstrations,” his spokesperson said in a statement.
While the UN is still gathering precise information about today’s events, the statement said it appears that hundreds of
people were killed or wounded in clashes between security forces and demonstrators demanding the reinstatement of
deposed President Mohamed Morsy.
Mr. Ban extended his condolences to the families of those killed and his wishes for a full and speedy recovery to those
injured.
“In the aftermath of today’s violence, the Secretary-General urges all Egyptians to concentrate their efforts on
promoting genuinely inclusive reconciliation,” his spokesperson said.
“While recognizing that political clocks do not run backwards, the Secretary-General also believes firmly that violence
and incitement from any side are not the answers to the challenges Egypt faces,” he continued.
Mr. Ban knows that the vast majority of the Egyptian people are weary of disruptions to normal life caused by
demonstrations and counter-demonstrations, and want their country to go forward peacefully in an Egyptian-led process
towards prosperity and democracy, the statement added.
Given the country’s rich history and diversity of views and experiences, it is not unusual for Egyptians to disagree on
the best approach forward, it further noted.
“What is important, in the Secretary-General’s view, is that differing views be expressed respectfully and peacefully,”
the spokesperson said, adding that to Mr. Ban’s regret, “that is not what happened today.”
Egypt has been undergoing a democratic transition following the toppling of President Hosni Mubarak two years ago in the
wake of mass protests. Last month, renewed protests – in which dozens of people were killed and wounded – led to the
Egyptian military deposing Mr. Morsy. The Constitution was then suspended and an interim government set up.
For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
ENDS