page_title: International reactions to the Egyptian revolution of 2011
section_title: Oceania
hierarchical_section_title: International reactions to the Egyptian revolution of 2011 / Oceania
caption_attribution_description: Egypt Uprising solidarity protest Melbourne 4 Feb 2011 While hundreds of thousands of pro-democracy protesters gathered in Tahrir Square in Cairo Egypt demanding Hosni Mubarak step down from office immediately, a smaller number, about 500 people, gathered outside the State Library in Melbourne where protesters heard from a number of speakers including Kevin Bracken, President of the Victorian Trades Hall Council, Greens MP Colleen Hartland, and speakers from the muslim and egyptian communities. A minutes silence was held to commemorate those killed in the violence initiated by the Mubarak regime thugs. The protest then marched down to Federation Square. The march become diluted as torrential rain scattered quite a few marchers to take refuge under the awnings on the footpath.
context_page_description: International reactions to the Egyptian revolution of 2011 refer to external responses to the events that took place in Egypt between 25 January and 10 February 2011, as well as some of the events after the collapse of the government of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, such as Mubarak's trial. The reactions have generally been either measured or supportive of the Egyptian people, with most governments and organisations calling for non-violent responses on both sides and peaceful moves towards reform. Whilst the protesters called for Mubarak to step down immediately, most foreign governments stopped short of this demand, at least during the early phases of the protests, due to realpolitik concerns about the consequences of a power vacuum on the stability of Egypt specifically and to the wider Middle East as a whole. Some Middle Eastern leaders expressed support for Mubarak. Meanwhile many governments issued travel advisories and evacuated their citizens from the country.
context_section_description:  Australia — On 3 February, Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced "the time for change has come" and that "I absolutely condemn this violence."
   New Zealand — On 5 February Minister of Foreign Affairs Murray McCully condemned the violence against the protesters and expressed concern over the targeting of foreign journalists. "Reports that foreign journalists, including New Zealanders, have been targeted is extremely concerning and directly violates fundamental freedoms."
caption: Solidarity protest in Melbourne, Australia
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