Nearly 200 Kiwis still in Egypt

The Government has again advised New Zealanders against all travel to Egypt while the security situation in that country remains risky.

All kiwis in Egypt with concerns about the risk to their lives were also urged to leave if it was safe to do so, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Mfat) said today.

The number of New Zealanders in Egypt registered with the Ministry was now 182, down from 254 two days ago, as some had already left the country.

Protesters were still camped out in Tahrir Square in Cairo vowing to continue the battle to oust Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak but the 82-year-old president was still insisting he would stay until the September polls.

The United Nations has estimated that 300 people have died in the two-week protests against Mubarak's 30-year rule.

Mfat said New Zealanders should take the security situation on the roads into account when deciding to travel around Cairo, including to the airport as foreign nationals had been harassed at military and civilian checkpoints.

"We advise New Zealanders in Egypt to avoid all areas where protests may occur, exercise caution in public places, maintain a high level of personal security awareness, monitor developments, adhere to all instructions from local authorities and respect curfew provisions."

New Zealanders in Egypt were also being urged to register their details with the ministry at www.safetravel.govt.nz.

Yesterday, Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully criticised the targeting of foreign journalists by Egyptian protesters.

His comments followed the wounding of New Zealand news cameraman Olaf Wiig while dodging a molotov cocktail in Egypt as he covered riots for Fox News.

Wiig, who was once married to New Zealand radio and TV reporter Anita McNaught, suffered head injuries and a broken cheekbone.

The New Zealand Embassy facilitated Wigg's release from hospital and, subsequently, from detention by Egyptian military authorities and he was safely back in London, Mr McCully said.

Wiig's treatment was a matter of considerable concern for the New Zealand Government, which would make its views known to the Egyptian authorities.

"It is critical during this highly unstable period that clear information on events is able to be shared not only with Egyptians but all who care for the well being and future of Egypt," he said.

"Reports that foreign journalists, including New Zealanders, have been targeted is extremely concerning and directly violates fundamental freedoms."

Mr McCully said efforts were continuing to help New Zealanders get out of Egypt but a chartered flight was not needed.

"We are continuing to get all of the people who are trying to leave on to flights.

"There is no backlog at the airport. There are some New Zealanders with travel plans over the next few days that we are aware of. There are spare seats on planes leaving, there are also people advising of charters that are leaving with substantial seats available."

Mr McCully did not rule out a charter if violence intensified.

- NZPA