GENEVA (AA) - U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday said that they expected that the opposition groups send a united and compatible delegation of representatives to a planned international peace conference on Syria in Geneva.
"We expect that those delegations, particularly from the opposition groups, will send their delegation united and coherent, who can really represent the voices and positions of opposition groups. We also expect that the government delegation will also be fully empowered so that they can fully engage in negotiations with the Joint Special Envoy Lakhdar Brahimi," Ban told Monday a press conference in Geneva.
"From the outset, I have advocated a political solution. The US-Russian initiative to bring Syrian parties to the negotiating table is the best chance for a lasting solution that will deliver peace and save lives.
"It is essential that we do everything possible to ensure that this conference takes place as soon as possible. I urge the international community to fully commit to a political process," he said.
Senior UN official seconds Ban's call for peaceful protests in Egypt
UN Deputy Spokesperson has reiterated Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon's statement demanding respect for peaceful protests in Egypt's ongoing demonstrations against and in favor of President Mohammad Morsi.
"Establishing dialogue and refraining from violence are of critical importance for a stable transition period in Egypt," del Buey said, adding, "For the good of the country, leaders at every level bear a huge responsibility for ensuring a constructive and inclusive process."
Del Buey said UN was following closely the ongoing demonstrations in the North African nation.
He said the protests had for the most part been peaceful, while condemning the occasional killings and lacerations, as well as incidents of sexual harassment and environmental damage.
"Many women are reported to have been harassed during the demonstrations. Women's rights to protest in particular should be respected," he said.
The Egyptian army issued on Monday a statement declared on state television which called on President Morsi to compromise and meet the demands of the people, warning that failure to do so in 48 hours would prompt a military intervention.
