Date: 21/03/2011
Source: The United Nations
Title: UN: Ban: Remarks by the Secretary General, at a press stakeout following a meeting with the Secretary General of the League of Arab States, Cairo

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Secretary-General Moussa and I have just discussed the dramatic events sweeping the Arab world.
A strong partnership between our two organizations will be crucial if we are to enable democracy to take hold across the region, as its people are demanding.
Much of our conversation focused on Libya. The support of the Arab League figured prominently in the Security Council's adoption of an historic resolution authorizing the use of all necessary measures to protect civilians and save lives, including a no-fly zone.
Now, it is imperative that the international community continue to speak with one voice to fully implement the Security Council resolutions. Thousands of lives are at stake. We could well see a further humanitarian emergency.
We are moving quickly to take effective action. On Saturday in Paris, I and Secretary-General Moussa met with world leaders to coordinate our plans. Secretary-General Moussa, I welcomed your contributions and that of the other Arab leaders who attended that session.
Egypt and the Arab League are standing with the international community and the United Nations at this critical time for the region.
The UN will continue working urgently to bring an end to the fighting and provide humanitarian relief.
I am also closely following the situation in Yemen. I strongly condemn the use of live ammunition by the security forces against demonstrators in Sana'a.
The Government of Yemen has an obligation to protect civilians. I call for the utmost restraint and end to violence. There is no alternative to an inclusive dialogue on political, social and economic reform to address Yemen's political crisis and maintain its national unity.
The same holds true for Bahrain, where the violence is also on the rise.
The United Nations is in touch with all the Bahraini parties on the ground, including the Government and key opposition parties. I appeal to all concerned to exercise maximum restraint.
All involved, include Bahrain's neighbours and the wider international community, should seek peaceful means to ensure national unity and stability, and to create an environment conducive for credible reform.
The United Nations stands ready to help in all of these situations – to end the violence, protect civilians, and promote necessary reforms.
It can be hard to see beyond the escalating violence. But there is no holding back the movements for reform and democracy that have taken root.
Leaders must listen to the legitimate aspirations of their people.
Open and inclusive dialogue is crucial. So is respect for human rights.
People are eager to build prosperous, inclusive, democratic societies under the rule of law.
Here in Egypt and in Tunisia, those transitions are well under way.
At this historic moment, it is in the interest of the international community and the United Nations to help – here and wherever else such yearnings are felt.
Thank you. Now I would be happy to take one or two questions.