Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged all Egyptians today to ensure that political protests do not lead to further violence, and called on the Government to see this "as an opportunity to engage in addressing the legitimate concerns of the people," his spokesman said.

According to media reports, police fought with thousands of Egyptians who defied a government ban to protest against President Hosni Mubarak's 30-year-old rule, firing rubber bullets and tear gas and dragging away demonstrators.

"The United Nations is closely following the evolving protests and tensions in Egypt and the broader region," spokesman Martin Nesirky said.

"The UN will continue to monitor the situation in Egypt and in other parts of the region and stands ready to help."