Asia

Asia

Australians warned not to go to Egypt

30 January 2011 04:26 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. Australians have been told not to travel to Egypt because of rising tensions and civil unrest, APA reports quoting smh.com.au website.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) upgraded its travel advisory to the highest "do not travel" category just before midday today.
Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd said officials were carefully monitoring the situation as the mass revolt against President Hosni Mubarak enters its sixth day.
There is no information about Australians being threatened or injured in the riots, but locals currently in Egypt have been urged to leave if they can.
Mr Rudd said reports on the number of deaths varied but were significant.
Latest reports quote security and medical sources saying at least 102 people have been killed - 33 on Saturday alone - in five days of anti-government unrest in Egypt.
"We would call on the government of Egypt to exercise all restraint in their response to demonstrators," he told Sky News today.
"We also call on the government of Egypt to uphold the right of its citizens to protest peacefully.
"It is our hope and expectation that the government of Egypt respond to the legitimate expression of democratic sentiment on the part of the people who are conducting these protests."
Asked if Mr Mubarak should step down, Mr Rudd said that was a matter for the Egyptian people.
"But plainly changes must occur. That is transparent to anybody who is observing events in Egypt at present.
DFAT last raised the travel advisory on Egypt yesterday, advising Australians to reconsider their need to go there.
About 800 Australians are registered as being in Egypt, and anyone with concerns about friends or family can contact DFAT’s 24-hour consular emergency centre on 1300 555 135.