Attacks on journalists 'outrageous': Ban

Attacks on journalists and human rights activists covering the unrest in Egypt were 'outrageous and totally unacceptable" and must "stop now", UN chief Ban Ki-moon said.

Ban was speaking in Berlin after talks with German President Christian Wulff yesterday.

"The president and I share a particular concern about the intimidations and the restrictions on international media in Cairo. Let me be totally clear: this is outrageous and totally unacceptable, it must stop now."

"I once again strongly urge the Egyptian authorities to listen to the voice of the people, and immediately start real change," said Ban.

"Freedom of speech, freedom of assembly should be fully guaranteed," he insisted.

"The UN stands ready to assist and help in any way the Egyptian authorities and people when they begin their transition and changes, including elections," he said.

Ban is due to meet Germany's Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle in Berlin today before travelling to Munich for an international security conference which is expected to be dominated by the situation in Egypt.