UN chief urges resumption of Egypt civilian rule

Agence France-Presse

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UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon says the interference of Egypt's army is not consistent with democracy

NOT CONSISTENT. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon says army interference is not consistent with democratic principles. File AFP photo/Fabrice Coffrini

COPENHAGEN, Denmark – UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday, July 4, said civilian rule in Egypt “should be resumed as soon as possible”, and that the country’s future leadership should reflect the Egyptian people’s will.

“It is a volatile situation (and) it is not clear where we are heading,” Ban told journalists in Copenhagen, adding that “inclusivity” was key to any solution of the country’s woes.

Cautioning that “army interference is not consistent with democratic principles”, the secretary general said Egyptians needed to find “common ground to move forward… to find a truly democratic and prosperous way.”

They must do so “without any threats or harassment and (while) protecting the freedom of speech and the freedom of assembly,” he said.

“Those are the basic principles of a democracy,” he added.

It was a message he would “deliver in person” to Egyptian leaders, he said, without specifying whether he planned to travel to Egypt.

“I am going to speak to some of the leadership in the Egyptian government” later Thursday, he said.

Ban was in Copenhagen to inaugurate a new “UN City” complex that will house the offices of several UN organizations.

World leaders on Thursday called for a return to democracy in Egypt after the military ousted president Mohamed Morsi, but many took a pragmatic stance and stopped short of condemning the overthrow of the Islamist leader.

US President Barack Obama was among those who shied away from calling the events a coup while urging a quick return to elected civilian government in Egypt. – Rappler.com

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