Egypt riots: Holidaymakers warned avoid political rallies as violence escalates
Escalating: More demonstrations are planned despite a ban on mass gatheringsThe FCO warned: 'You should avoid political gatherings and demonstrations and respect any advice or instruction from the local security authorities.'Foreign secretary William Hague announced the changes to travel advice as he spoke out about the number of Egyptian nationals killed during the clashes.He assured: 'We will be keeping theadvice under constant review.'Tour operator Thomas Cook cancelled an excursion for holidaymakers to Cairo on Wednesday due to the ongoing protests.But the next expected day trip from the Red Sea area, due to take place on Sunday, will be reviewed closer to the time, a spokesperson told TravelMail.
The holiday company confirmed it was in constant contact with the FCO and reassured Britons with beach holidays booked that the Red Sea resorts have not been affected.'They are fully operational and holidaymakers are continuing to enjoy the popular resorts of Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada,' said the spokesperson.Holiday company Hayes and Jarvis confirmed that no customers were located near the areas of Cairo where there have been clashes and Explore! said it was in close contact with the FCO and workers on the ground.A spokesperson for Explore! told TravelMail: 'At the current time, all tours are scheduled to run as normal.
'However, as a precaution, we have moved our Cairo accommodati! on away from the downtown area until further notice. As ever, the safety of our customers and staff is our top priority.'
The protests in Egypt first erupted after a bomb went off outside a Coptic church in Alexandria just after midnight on 1 January which killed at least 21 people.However, the latest calls for more political freedom have been spurred on by the events in Tunisia.
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However, it has been reported that the 82-year-old's heir has fled the country with his wife, taking a flight to London with around 100 pieces of luggage.Six people, including policemen and protesters, have been killed in the last two days and up to 1,000 people have been arrested after the Government banned demonstrations.Protesters are angry about police brutality, poverty and food prices, government corruption and mismanagement.Parliamentary elections in November were widely decried as fraudulent and sectarian violence between Muslims and Christians has become more commonplace.Social networking sites - used to organise protests - appear to have been blocked in a bid to prevent further mass gatherings.
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