UN calls on leaders to take bold steps to address protesters’ concerns

(February 01, 2011) United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Monday called on Egypt’s leaders to take some bold measures to address the concerns of the thousands of people, who have been demonstrating for change. He stressed at the same time that the protests must be peaceful. I have been repeatedly saying that the leaders of any country, including Egypt, should first of all listen attentively to the voices of people,” he told a news conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where he was attending a summit of the African Union. “Leaders have a broad responsibility, first of all, to provide decent jobs and good opportunities to maintain a decent living. This is what I have been urging them. At the same time, it is important that the Governments ensure that a proper channel of communication is ensured and that freedom of speech, expression, and freedom of association is also ensured,” he added.
Asked directly what concrete steps he thinks President Hosni Mubarak should take to show that he is listening to the voices of the people of Egypt, and if he thinks the appointment of a new Government is sufficient, Ban replied: “I would leave it to the Egyptian leaders. As the demonstrations calling for Mubarak’s resignation accelerated, Ban urged all Egyptians to ensure that political protests do not lead to further violence, and he called on the Government to see this as an opportunity to engage in addressing the legitimate concerns of the people. According to reports 300 people have been killed and more than 3,000 injured in the protests that have gripped Egypt since last week.