UNITED NATIONS: UN leader Ban Ki-moon on Monday called on Egypt's ruling military council to "guarantee" civil liberties as he deplored the deaths which have occurred in new unrest there. "The secretary general is deeply concerned about the violence in Egypt during the last few days, particularly in Cairo. He deplores the loss of life and the many injuries," said UN spokesman Martin Nesirky. "The secretary general calls on the transitional authorities to guarantee the protection of human rights and civil liberties for all Egyptians, including the right to peaceful protest. "He urges restraint and calm by all parties to enable a peaceful and inclusive electoral process as part of Egypt's transition to democracy and the early establishment of civilian rule," said Nesirky. Ban spoke out as tens of thousands of people packed Tahrir Square in Cairo on Monday night, after a third straight day of clashes between protesters and police. At least 24 people have been killed nationwide in Egypt since Saturday.
