European leaders urge Mubarak to exercise restraint

British Prime Minister David Cameron has expressed his “deep concern” over the increasingly dangerous situation in Egypt.

In accordance with his counterparts in France and Germany, Cameron urged Egypt’s strongman Hosni Mubarak to prevent violence by his military and police against unarmed civilians at all costs.

A spokesman for Cameron stated that the prime minister urged the president to take bold steps to accelerate political reform and build democratic legitimacy, which should be reflected by an inclusive government with the credibility to carry this agenda forward.”

Cameron, along with France’s Nicholas Sarkozy and Germany’s Angela Merkel issued a joint statement: We recognize the moderating role President Mubarak has played over many years in the Middle East. We now urge him to show the same moderation in addressing the current situation in Egypt. We call on President Mubarak to avoid at all costs the use of violence against unarmed civilians, and on the demonstrators to exercise their rights peacefully. It is essential that the further political, economic and social reforms President Mubarak has promised are implemented fully and quickly and meet the aspirations of the Egyptian people. There must be full respect for human rights and democratic freedoms.”

Moreover, Cameron has reportedly personally called Mubarak to ask him to build democratic legitimacy.

Unconfirmed reports claim that Mubarak’s wife and sons have already fled to Britain.

Meanwhile, amidst reports that hundreds of British tourists are stranded in Cairo’s main airport, the UK Foreign Office has recommended to its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Egypt.