Foreign Secretary deeply concerned about unacceptable violence in Egypt
Foreign Secretary William Hague called for the Egyptian authorities to respect the right of peaceful protest and immediately cease the use of violence against protestors.
Speaking today the Foreign Secretary said:
“I am deeply concerned by the unacceptable violence and loss of life which has taken place around Tahrir Square in Cairo and in other parts of Egypt. I am particularly concerned by reports of dangerous forms of gas being used against protesters as well as live ammunition. Our thoughts are with all those who have been injured or bereaved.
“I call on the Egyptian authorities to respect the right of peaceful protest and immediately to cease the use of violence against protestors, including live fire and the use of gas. All those who are responsible for such disproportionate violence against peaceful protesters must be held to account.
“I also call for the release of all those detained for peacefully expressing their views and urge the authorities to make good on their promises to end to military trials for civilians.
“I recognise the commitments made by Field Marshal Tantawi yesterday evening. We and many other countries have consistently called for a clear, rapid timetable for transition to civilian-led democratic rule in Egypt. For such a transition to succeed, it is critical that parliamentary elections are transparent, fair and credible, and held in a secure atmosphere which allows Egyptians to express their political will freely. The UK remains committed to supporting the transition to democracy in Egypt in any way we can.”