Egypt violence: PM Lee expresses condolences on Facebook

Egypt violence: PM Lee expresses condolences on Facebook

SINGAPORE - Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong expressed his sorrow at the recent violence and deaths in Egypt, in a Facebook update posted on Friday.

"I send my condolences to the victims and their families," wrote PM Lee. "Further violence is senseless and serves no purpose. Egypt needs to find a political solution to its problems in order to move forward."

He also urged Singaporeans in Egypt to take all necessary precautions to stay safe, adding that the Singapore embassy in Cairo will be ready to assist when needed.

PM Lee ended his post with a link to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)'s eRegister system for Singaporeans to update their locations when travelling outside of the country.

The MFA eRegister system is a voluntary and free service provided by MFA to all Singapore citizens who travel or reside overseas.

The information provided will allow MFA to contact registered Singaporeans in order to make sure that they are safe and, if need be, provide assistance in the event of an emergency (eg natural disasters, civil unrest, etc).

PM Lee's Facebook post is as follows:

I am deeply saddened by the recent violence and deaths in Egypt. I send my condolences to the victims and their families. Further violence is senseless and serves no purpose. Egypt needs to find a political solution to its problems in order to move forward.

For Singaporeans remaining in Egypt, I know your families and friends worry about you. Please take all necessary precautions. Our Embassy in Cairo will stay in touch with you and is ready to help you should you need help. We are working with the Egyptian authorities to ensure your safety. - LHL

#Egypt

P.S. Good practice to register with MFA each time you travel.

Next: S'poreans advised against non-essential travel to Egypt

SINGAPORE - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has advised Singaporeans to defer non-essential travel to Egypt as the Egyptian President and government had declared a state of emergency across Egypt and imposed a curfew from 7pm to 6am (Egypt time) in 14 governorates for one month with effect from Aug 14, 2013.

The 14 governorates are: Cairo, Giza, Alexandria, Qalioubiya, Suez, Beheira, Fayyoum, Beni Suef, Minya, Assuit, Sohag, Ismailia, North and South Sinai.

The Ministry advised Singaporeans who are currently in Egypt to "abide by the curfew hours and stay indoors, be on high alert and to take the necessary precautions for their personal safety, including monitoring the news closely, observing instructions from local authorities and avoiding areas of public disturbances."

"As a precaution, Singaporeans should ensure that they have easy access to basic necessities in the event that shops and banks are closed for an extended period," it added.

The Singapore Embassy in Cairo continues to maintain regular contact with Singaporeans in Egypt who have e-registered with MFA.

Singaporeans in Egypt, who have not already e-registered, should do so immediately at https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg/.

The MFA is also working closely with the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) to render assistance to Singaporean students affected by the ongoing unrest.

Singaporeans who require consular assistance in Egypt may contact the Singapore Embassy in Cairo or the MFA Duty Officer (24-hours) at:

Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Cairo
Tel: +202 37490468
Fax: +202 37480562
Duty Officer Tel: +20 109 8064130 (24-hour)
Email: singemb@link.net

MFA Duty Office
Tel: +65 6379 8800 / 8855 (24-hour hotline)
Fax: +65 6476 7302
Email: mfa_duty_officer@mfa.gov.sg

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