Norway deplores violence against protesters in Egypt

OSLO, Norway, November 21, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Norway deplores violence against protesters in Egypt

“Norway deplores the way the Egyptian security forces have handled the popular protests in recent days and deeply regrets that a large number of protesters have been killed and wounded,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

At least 20 protesters are reported to have been killed and several hundreds wounded since Saturday in fierce clashes between protestors and security forces in Cairo. The protesters are calling for a rapid transition to democratic rule and less interference in the political process on the part of the interim military authorities.

“Egypt is at a very critical stage in its history, and I expect the authorities to take their responsibility seriously. Law and order must be upheld while at the same time respecting human rights. The excessive use of violence is not conducive to democratic development and only complicates the necessary preparations for the elections in Egypt,” said Mr Støre.

“I urge the military authorities to heed the Egyptian people's call for real democracy. A democratic Egypt would set an example for the entire Arab world, which is why the imminent parliamentary election is of historic importance,” said the Foreign Minister.