Global reaction to escalation of violence in Egypt

Here is a collection of reaction to the latest escalation of civil unrest and violence in Egypt from around the world:

She [Secretary of State Hillary Clinton] emphasized, again, [to Egyptian Vice President Omar Suleiman] our condemnation of the violence that occurred today, encouraged the government to hold those responsible fully accountable for this violence.
--P.J. Crowley, spokesman for U.S. State Department

I urge the Egyptian authorities to immediately take the necessary measures to ensure that the law enforcement authorities protect the demonstrators and their right to assembly freely. I have made clear that it is the responsibility of the army and law enforcement to protect its citizens. Last night we were sending messages to the Egyptian authorities in phone calls and other messages, saying 'look, you have to get the army in to protect the people, you have to make sure that we've got ambulances able to get in and out of the square'. The scenes last night were extremely disturbing.

--Catherine Ashton, European Union Foreign Affairs Chief

We are watching with utmost concern the deteriorating situation in Egypt. The Egyptian people must be able to exercise freely their right to peaceful assembly, and enjoy the full protection of the security forces. Attacks against journalists are completely unacceptable. We condemn all those who use or encourage violence, which will only aggravate the political crisis in Egypt. Only a quick and orderly transition to a broad-based government will make it possible to overcome the challenges Egypt is now facing. That transition process must start now.
--Joint Statement from leaders of UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain

I spoke to representatives of the opposition including ElBaradei, and it's completely obvious that this is a matter for the political opinion makers in Egypt to decide for themselves who shapes the democratic transition and how. This requires beginning with a direct exchange of ideas, a peaceful dialogue, and we are counting on progress here today since otherwise I am afraid that -- in view of Friday prayers tomorrow -- there will be another escalation of the situation. Who governs Egypt or who will be in control of the transition process in Egypt is a matter that has to be discussed and decided in Egypt between the government and the representatives of the opposition.”
--Guido Westerwelle, German Foreign Minister

We pray that the violence in Egypt will end and that the rights and aspirations of the Egyptian people will be realized and that a better day will dawn over Egypt and throughout the world.
--U.S. President Barack Obama

I urge the Egyptian leadership not to let batons do the talking nor to block the media, but to be responsible and to deal with the demands of the demonstrators. The demonstrators and their valid demands cannot be silenced by violence. The political forces in the country must to everything to avoid a further escalation. It is more important than ever that speedy talks between the opposition and government take place so that the situation does not spiral further out of control.
--Michael Spindelegger, Austrian Foreign Minister

Egyptian people want change, democratic rights, liberties. All these need to be established, also constitutionally. It is necessary that this transition to democracy, these changes take place with credibility, stability, that they happen quickly and without violence. I believe these democratic changes will give a new strength to Egypt, a new more powerful role which we will welcome for the region and the Arab world.
--George Papandreou, Greek Prime Minister

“Our most serious concern is that in a situation of rapid changes, and in the absence of the foundations of modern democracy, what could emerge, and has already emerged in a number of countries, including Iran, is repressive radical Islamic regimes that suppress human rights, allow no freedoms and no rights and also pose a terrible threat to peace and stability and to the interests of all civilized people. All the leaders I have spoken to, without exception, do not want this to be the outcome. There are many other things we share, but right now this is one of the most important things that unite all those who strive for stability, progress and peace in this region and beyond.”
--Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister

The United States' deafening silence toward not even acknowledging any role that he [Mubarak] may have played in a peaceful border, between Egypt and Israel, is what's of great concern.
--Mike Huckabee, former US Presidential candidate

Millions of Egyptians have raised their voice in the past few days, they took to the streets and nobody should think that things can just carry on as they are. Instead, there has to be a renewal, there has to be change, a real change. Otherwise people won't be satisfied.”
--Angela Merkel, German Chancellor

The United Nations stands ready to support bold reforms that are needed to meet the people's aspirations. I am closely watching developments in Egypt. The protests reflect the great frustration of the Egyptian people about the level of change of the past few decades. This discontent calls for bold reforms, not repression. The United Nations has been warning about a democracy deficit and other challenges in the Arab world in successive human development reports dating back to 2002. I am concerned about the growing violence and I have urged both sides to exercise restraint. Violent attacks against peaceful protesters are completely unacceptable. It is important to assure an orderly and peaceful transition. I have urged all parties to engage in such a process without delay and with full respect for human rights in particular the freedoms of speech, expression, association and information.
-- United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon

“We do not think that foisting any recipes [on Egypt] or making ultimatums will serve any useful purpose. Political forces in Egypt should themselves reach agreement.”
-- Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister

Regrettably the time has come for President Mubarak to step down and relinquish power. It's in the best interest of Egypt, its people and its military. The best opportunity for a pro-democracy government and not a radical Islamic government is an open transparent process. This virus spreading throughout the Middle East proves the universality of human yearnings, and probably the only place where you won't see these demonstrations is Iraq.
--U.S. Senator John McCain