Aapep blog

U.N.'s Ban urges peaceful transition in Egypt

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on Friday for a "transparent, orderly and peaceful transition" in Egypt following President Hosni Mubarak's resignation in the face of huge protests.

In a statement to reporters, Ban also said he wanted to see "free, fair and credible" elections in Egypt that would lead to early establishment of civilian rule.

"I respect what must have been a difficult decision (by Mubarak), taken in the wider interests of the Egyptian people," said Ban, who was criticized last week by Egypt's U.N. mission for what it considered overly outspoken earlier comments.

"The voice of the Egyptian people, particularly the youth, has been heard, and it is for them to determine the future of their country," Ban said, terming this a "historic moment.".

(Reporting by Patrick Worsnip; Editing by Christopher Wilson)