UNITED NATIONS: U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon calls for free, fair and credible elections in Egypt leading to civilian rule

Record ID: 559932

  • Title: UNITED NATIONS: U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon calls for free, fair and credible elections in Egypt leading to civilian rule
  • Date: 12th February 2011
  • Summary: UNITED NATIONS (ORIGINALLY 4:3) (FEBRUARY 11, 2011) (REUTERS) (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.N. SECRETARY GENERAL BAN KI-MOON SAYING: "I have just learned of President Mubarak's decision to step down and I continued to monitor developments in Egypt. I respect what must have been a difficult decision taken in the wider interest of the Egyptian people. At this historic moment I reiterate my call made as recently as last night for transparent, orderly and peaceful transition that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Egyptian people and includes free, fair and credible elections leading to the early establishment of civilian rule. I urge the interim authorities to chart a clear path forward with the participation of all stake holders. In this process it is vital that human rights and civil liberties are fully respected and that genuine and inclusive dialogue is assured. The voice of the Egyptian people, particularly the youth, has been heard and it is for them to determine the future of their country. I commend the people of Egypt for the orderly manner in which they have exercised their legitimate rights. I call on all parties to continue in the same spirit. The United Nations stands ready to assist in the process."
  • Embargoed: 27th February 2011 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Usa
  • Country: USA
  • Topics: International Relations
  • Reuters ID: LVAA9G290NF4K7VVHSUL7H23J8OC
  • Story Text: United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon hailed Hosni Mubarak's decision on Friday (February 11) to step down as Egyptian president after 30 years in power, and called for fair elections and a peaceful transition to democracy.
    "I respect what must have been a difficult decision taken in the wider interest of the Egyptian people. At this historic moment I reiterate my call made as recently as last night for transparent, orderly and peaceful transition that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Egyptian people and includes free, fair and credible elections leading to the early establishment of civilian rule," Ban said.
    In a statement to reporters, Ban also said he wanted to see an early establishment of civilian rule.
    "I urge the interim authorities to chart a clear path forward with the participation of all stake holders. In this process it is vital that human rights and civil liberties are fully respected and that genuine and inclusive dialogue is assured."
    Mubarak stepped down on Friday after 18 days of mass protests against his 30-year rule.
    "The voice of the Egyptian people, particularly the youth, has been heard and it is for them to determine the future of their country. I commend the people of Egypt for the orderly manner in which they have exercised their legitimate rights. I call on all parties to continue in the same spirit," Ban added.
    Ban said the United Nations is ready to assist the Egyptian people in this transition process.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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