Abu Dhabi, Feb 1 (IANS/WAM) UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has urged the political leaders in Egypt to take ‘bold measures’ to address the concerns of people who have been demonstrating for change.

‘I have been repeatedly saying that the leaders of any country, including Egypt, should first of all listen attentively, most sincerely, to the voices of people,’ Ban Ki-moon said at a press conference Monday in Addis Ababa on the sidelines of the African Union summit.

‘They have a broad responsibility, first of all, to provide decent jobs and good opportunities to maintain a decent living,’ Ban Ki-moon was quoted as saying by UN news service.

‘It is important that the governments ensure that a proper channel of communication is ensured – their freedom of speech, expression, and their freedom of association should also be ensured,’ he added, underlining that this expression should be done peacefully in a way that does not lead to social and political instability.