UN's Ban voices concern with renewed violence in Egypt and Tunisia

UN's Ban voices concern with renewed violence in Egypt and Tunisia

2011-05-12 05:49:20 GMT+7 (ICT)

UNITED NATIONS (BNO NEWS) -- United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday spoke out against the recent violence in Egypt and Tunisia, urging the countries' authorities and peoples not to waste the opportunity created by this year's democratic revolutions in North Africa.

This past weekend, at least 12 people were killed in Cairo, Egypt, during clashes between Muslims and Coptic Christians, while in Tunisia fresh protests led to renewed violence and the imposition of an evening curfew.

Ban described the revolutions as "one of the greatest opportunities to advance democracy and human rights in a generation," adding that the opportunity was precious but at the same time "fragile.â€

"It must be nurtured and carefully handled by the people who created it," Ban added, stating particular concern by the bouts of sectarian violence in Egypt.

"After the prolonged display of national unity that led to the peaceful transition of power, it is critical that the Egyptian people maintain that unity of purpose to achieve their democratic aspirations."

Regarding Tunisia, Ban called on all parties to solve their differences through peaceful dialogue, and to rely on existing institutions that have been created by the transitional government.

In addition, the UN chief urged authorities in the two countries to honor the "responsibility and trust they have been given."

"People went on the streets to call for accountability, democracy, human rights and better prospects… their leaders must work to meet these demands," Ban stressed, reiterating that the UN stands ready to provide the necessary assistance to Tunisia and Egypt to help them make progress.

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