Angeni blog

U.N.'s Ban calls for Egypt transition to start now

LONDON (Reuters) – United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for restraint in Egypt Thursday and said the transition of power should start now.

"There have been calls for transition, very orderly, peaceful transition. If a transition needs to be taken, the sooner the better .. The transition should begin now," Ban told a news conference in London.

The leaders of France, Germany, Britain, Italy and Spain also called for a rapid transition of power after days of protests against the rule of President Hosni Mubarak. Six people have been killed and more than 800 wounded.

"I'm concerned about the growing violence. I have urged all sides to exercise restraint. Violent attacks against peaceful protesters are completely unacceptable," Ban said.

"We should not underestimate the danger of instability across the Middle East," he said, adding the U.N. stood ready to support bold reforms needed to meet people's aspirations.

Asked about reports of harassment of reporters, Ban said: "The freedom of speech, whether (of) peaceful demonstrators or journalists, should be fully guaranteed and protected. The government should listen very attentively to the wishes of the people."

Transition should be orderly and peaceful, he said.

"I have urged all parties to engage in such a process without delay, with full respect for human rights, in particular the freedom of speech, expression, association and information."

(Reporting by Adrian Croft, Jonathan Saul; Editing by Janet Lawrence)