SWITZERLAND: U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says Egypt should respect freedom of speech and warns on climate change

Record ID: 562426

  • Title: SWITZERLAND: U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says Egypt should respect freedom of speech and warns on climate change
  • Date: 29th January 2011
  • Summary: DAVOS, SWITZERLAND (JANUARY 28, 2011) (REUTERS) EXTERIOR OF CONGRESS CENTRE BAN COMING OUT AND WALKING INTO CAR FLAGS CAR DRIVING OFF
  • Embargoed: 13th February 2011 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Switzerland, Switzerland
  • Country: Switzerland
  • Topics: International Relations,Environment / Natural World
  • Reuters ID: LVA6AME47N715R4AA7360HSM2XV5
  • Story Text: U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon appeals for Egypt's leaders and its people not to let violence escalate. He adds that failing to deal with climate issues is tantamount to a 'global suicide pact'.
    UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon spoke out on climate change, Egyptian protests and the political crisis in Ivory Coast at the World Economic Forum on Friday (January 28).
    In a panel session on Friday morning he told the political and economic leaders attending the elite annual gathering that it was vital to tackle climate change.
    He called on Europe and the United States to lead the process, and set an example for the rest of the world.
    "Climate change is also showing us that the old model is more than obsolete. It has rendered it extremely dangerous. Over time, that model is a recipe for a national disaster. It is a global suicide pact," he said.
    Later he called for Egypt's government to respect freedom of speech in their country, as protests spread.
    "All concerned people or leaders should ensure that the situation in that region, in particular now in Egypt, does not and should not lead to further violence. I had been calling on the authorities to see all these situations as an opportunity to engage in addressing the legitimate concerns and wishes of their peoples," he said.
    "One of the ground principles of democracy is to protect and ensure the freedom of speech of people. That is through that dialogue, leaders will be able to better understand the wishes and aspirations and the concerns and challenges of the people. That's what I'm urging again," he continued.
    He also expressed concern about splits in African efforts to end a power struggle in Ivory Coast, calling for recognition of the November 28th election result.
    "A lot is at stake. First of all, again, the fundamental principle of democracy - that the genuine will of people should be respected. In this case, the people of Ivory Coast should be respected, which has been demonstrated and expressed in the recent presidential election," he said.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2011. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
  • Usage Terms/Restrictions: None
Register