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Secretary-General's press encounters:
London, 2 February
I am deeply concerned at the continuing violence in Egypt. I once again urge restraint to all the sides. This is very much an unacceptable situation that is happening. Any attack against the peaceful demonstrators is unacceptable, and I strongly condemn it. For the last decade the United Nations has been warning for a need for change, through our successive United Nations development reports, to Arab countries. It is important, at this juncture, that an orderly and peaceful transition should take place. I urge all the parties to engage in such a dialogue and such a process without any further delay. We should not underestimate the danger of instability across the Middle East. The United Nations stands ready to provide any assistance to such reform efforts by Egypt and any Arab countries to respect and reflect the will of the people. They should listen more attentively to the genuine and sincere wish of the people. It is important, and there needs to be a very peaceful and orderly transition; if any transition is to be taken, it should be done now.
Berlin, 3 February
The President and I share particular concern about the intimidation and restrictions on the international media and human rights groups in Cairo.
Let me be absolutely clear. This is outrageous and totally unacceptable. It must stop now.
Respecting freedom of expression and assembly as well as information is a crucial and essential part of democratic values.
I once again strongly urge the Egyptian authorities to listen to the voices of the people and immediately start real change
