UN chief calls on Arab leaders to avoid violence and respect basic freedoms

2011-02-22 10:22:16 GMT+7 (ICT)

UNITED NATIONS (BNO NEWS) -- United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday repeated his call for the non-use of force and respect for basic freedoms, expressing concern about reports of escalating violence and bloodshed amid the protests in North Africa and the Middle East.

"Stressing that utmost restraint must be exercised by all concerned, he wishes to reaffirm his conviction that this is the time for broad-based dialogue and for genuine social and political reform," Ban's spokesperson said, adding that he has been continuously discussing developments with leaders from the region, including Bahrain, Libya, Yemen and other countries.

"He has been encouraging them to listen to the aspirations of their people and respond to their legitimate aspirations," the spokesman added. "He has urged all parties to exercise restraint and especially to refrain from violence."

On Monday, Ban talked with Libyan leader Muammar al-Qadhafi on the deteriorating situation in the country, where human rights groups have reported that over 200 people have died since last Thursday amid the Government's crackdown on protesters.

Ban expressed deep concern at the escalating scale of violence in Libya and emphasized that it must stop immediately, calling for respect for basic freedoms and human rights, including peaceful assembly and information.

On Sunday, the Secretary-General also spoke to King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain and urged the Government to exercise maximum restraint as well as to calm the volatile situation in the Gulf nation. He welcomed the King's decision to initiate a dialogue, and reiterated the readiness of the UN to support such a process, if requested.

In addition, Ban has agreed to dispatch senior UN officials to Egypt following conversations with the country's top leadership.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-02-22

The UN security council is meeting to determine a response to killing the protesters. One wonders how China will respond. When they killed 5000 (Chinese red cross figures) for doing the same thing in Tiananmen Square a few years ago. And if the UN did nothing to China why Libya?