UN secretary general urges anew Morsi's release in phone call to Egyptian FM

UNITED NATIONS - Agence France-Presse

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon adjusts his glasses onstage during an Olympic passing ceremony at the United Nations in New York, July 29. REUTERS photo

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon appealed anew Aug. 6 for the release of deposed Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, in a telephone call with Egypt's foreign minister.

"He called for an end to all violence and urged the interim authorities to ensure protection of the fundamental human rights of all Egyptians, including freedom of speech and assembly," a U.N. statement said, referring to Ban's message to Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Fahy.

Ban "reiterated his call for the release of Mr Mohamed Morsi," it said.

He stressed that "an inclusive and peaceful political process is the only viable way forward in Egypt," the statement added.

Morsi has been held at an undisclosed location since his overthrow in a military coup on July 3.