UN Calls for Peaceful Reconciliation in Egypt

The United Nations (UN) said it is committed to fully support Egypt, in a statement by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon released on Friday.

Ban urged the Egyptian authorities and the Muslim Brotherhood to “exercise their leadership and their responsibility to do whatever can be done to prevent further loss of life among the people.”

“Given the risk of potential violence, it is of critical importance for all sides in Egypt, those in positions of authority as well as those protesting in the street, to urgently reconsider their current actions and language,” the UN secretary general said.

Ban expressed his deep concern over “the political stalemate in Egypt” and appealed to Egyptians to avoid provocations that are likely to heighten tensions between both sides (supporters of deposed Islamist President Mohamed Morsi and their opponents).

The UN leader urged the Egyptians to try to look creatively at new approaches toward a genuinely inclusive political process that would be rooted in reconciliation.

He applauded the deep courage and commitment of the Egyptian people towards peaceful change and freedom of expression.