UN chief urges respect for peaceful protest in Egypt

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday called for respect for peaceful protest in Egypt and commitment to dialogue and to peaceful, democratic transition.

In a statement, Ban noted the expiration of the state of emergency in Egypt and stressed "the importance of respect for peaceful protest and freedom of assembly, and a commitment to dialogue and non-violence."

An Egyptian court ordered an end to a three-month state of emergency Tuesday, two days earlier than expected.

Ban also noted the rising debate in Egypt on a draft law regulating protests and stressed that international human rights standards should form the basis of any new legislation.

The controversial draft legislation, disapproved by critics, bans all public protests without prior written permission of the police.

"The secretary-general continues to underscore the need for political inclusion, respect for human rights, including of those in detention, and the rule of law as the basis for a peaceful, democratic transition in Egypt," said the statement.