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UN chief welcomes release of Australian journalist from Egyptian jail

Xinhua, February 3, 2015 Adjust font size:

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on Monday welcomed the release of detained Australian journalist Peter Greste after he served 13 months in an Egyptian prison.

"The Secretary-General notes that there are other journalists still detained in Egypt and hopes that their cases will also be resolved shortly," said a statement issued here by Ban's spokesperson.

Underscoring the importance of safeguarding freedom of speech and association in Egypt, Ban said he "strongly believes that pluralism is key for achieving long-term stability, including the guarantee that all peaceful voices are heard and represented."

In the statement, the Secretary-General also reiterated his continued commitment to supporting the Egyptian people's struggle for stability, democracy, and prosperity.

Greste was set free on Monday by the order of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi under a new law which allows foreign prisoners to be deported.

The journalist, who was employed by Al Jazeera, traveled immediately to Cyprus, where he is currently situated.

Greste was jailed in December 2013 alongside two fellow journalists, Canadian Mohamed Fahmy and Egyptian Baher Mohamed, and was sentenced to seven years in prison on charges of defaming Egypt and aiding banned Islamists.

The fate of Fahmy and Mohamed is still uncertain. Endite