Cairo, February 3rd 2011

Prime Minister Shafik apologises to Egyptian People:
"Yesterdays Violence will not pass"

Prime Minister Dr. Ahmed Shafik issued an apology to the Egyptian people on behalf of the government and made a commitment today to investigate yesterdays violence at Tahrir Square and held the perpetrators accountable.

Responding to questions on the Tahrir Square violence at a press conference in Cairo today the Prime Minister said: "I promise the Egyptian people that this situation will not pass".

Addressing the breakdown in security since last Friday night, Dr. Shafik said: "There will be a comprehensive and in depth investigation of the reasons for the complete absence of security in the previous period that led to the loss of public property and personal security." He added that if former Minster of Interior, Habib El-Adly, was implicated in this situation then "he will be held accountable and the findings of the investigations will be made public".

The Prime Minister stressed that the demands of demonstrators and youth were "legitimate and acceptable" and underscoring the need for dialogue on all outstanding issues and to an exchange of views from all sides to arrive at a solution that is accepted by all and that serves the publi interest. He added that he already had spoken to some of the protesters on Tahrir Square on the phone and stressed that the freedom to demonstrate was a legitimate right.

The Prime Minster also addressed demands for an immediate transfer of leadership, saying:" Teh President of the REpublik has announced that he will not seek reelection, and as such, there are a number of steps that must be taken to conclude the duties of his office."

Statement_03.02.2011.pdf