Britain, France, Germany Urge Mubarak to Avoid Violence
British Prime Minister David Cameron, French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel urged Egypt's Hosni Mubarak to avoid violence "at all costs" in a joint statement Saturday.
The three leaders called on Egypt's embattled president to commit to change in response to what they said were the "legitimate grievances" of his people.
"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," said the statement.
They issued their appeal as medics in Egypt said at least 80 people had been killed across the country and thousands injured since the unrest began, and as a security official reported more deadly clashes.
"The Egyptian people have legitimate grievances and a longing for a just and better future," their statement added.
"We urge President Mubarak to embark on a process of transformation which should be reflected in a broad-based government and in free and fair elections."
Mubarak appointed Egypt's military intelligence chief as his first-ever vice president and named a new premier Saturday, after promising political and economic reform in a televised address the night before.
"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," the statement from the three leaders added.
"There must be full respect for human rights and democratic freedoms, including freedom of expression and communication, including use of telephones and the Internet, and the right of peaceful assembly."
The leaders said they also recognized the moderating role Mubarak had long played in the Middle East.
"We now urge him to show the same moderation in addressing the current situation in Egypt."
Source: Agence France Presse
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