Foreign Minister on the situation in Egypt

Össur Skarphedinsson, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland, is deeply concerned by the situation in Egypt and condemns any use of violence against protesters. The UN High Commissioner on Human Rights has estimated that up to 300 people have been killed since the protests began.

In a parliamentary debate at the Althing the Foreign Minister said that the Government protested against all violations of human rights. He condemned that the Egyptian public did not enjoy freedom of expression as media outlets were banned, TV stations closed down and access to the internet was limited. The Minister said that free elections, without any limitations to freedom of expression, were needed so that the people of Egypt were able to express their will.