UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 13 (UPI) -- After a state of emergency expired in Egypt, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Egyptian leaders need to show response for political and human rights.
"The secretary-general continues to underscore the need for political inclusion, respect for human rights, including of those in detention, and the rule of law as the basis for a peaceful, democratic transition in Egypt," his spokesman said in a statement released late Tuesday.
Egyptian leaders lifted a state of emergency Tuesday, two days ahead of schedule. Egyptian news website Ahram Online reported Tuesday the status of a curfew was uncertain. The state of emergency was enacted in August following violent clashes between police and supporters of Mohamed Morsi, ousted as president by the military in July.
U.S. State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said during her regular press briefing Tuesday the U.S. government welcomed Egypt's decision.
"We urge the government to respect the rights of all Egyptians," she said. "This includes ensuring that Egyptians on all sides can peacefully exercise their right to freedom of assembly and expression as well as ensuring due process and that all civilians arrested are referred only to civilian courts."
Egyptian ties with its Western allies have turned frosty as the military continues with its hold on political power.
