<h3 class="post-title subpt">"Violence is not the answer" – Kofi Annan
After the recent violence in Egypt, the Elders urge the Egyptian authorities to prevent further bloodshed, and call on all Egyptians to work towards reconciliation.</h3><div class="quoteblock"><div class="quotetext"></div></div><p>The Elders express deep concern at the loss of life and destruction in Egypt. They appeal to all Egyptians to renounce violence and urge the government to allow freedom of assembly and peaceful protest and to prevent the disproportionate use of force by the security services.</p>
<p>They urge the authorities to ensure that those detained as a result of recent events are afforded due legal process in accordance with international standards and in full respect of their human rights.&nbsp;They hope that the government can rapidly return Egypt to constitutional rule based on an inclusive process of consultation and dialogue.</p>
<p><strong>Kofi Annan</strong>, Chair of The Elders, said:</p>
<p><em>“As leaders who have witnessed and experienced violent civil strife at first-hand, the Elders know that violence is not the answer and indeed will only serve to further inflame tensions and create more suffering, hatred and destruction.</em></p>
<p><em>“It is our sincere hope, therefore, that the Egyptian leadership and people can come together quickly and find the path towards lasting peace and reconciliation.”</em></p>