Egypt must go for democratic transformation to avoid extremist control: UK Foreign Secretary

London, Jan.31 (ANI): British Foreign Secretary William Hague has warned that Egypt runs the risk of falling into the hands of extremists if President Hosni Mubarak does not initiate democratic "transformation" in that country.

A broad-based government is "preferable to Egypt falling into the hands of extremism or a more authoritarian system of government," Hague told Sky News' Murnaghan programme.

He added: "It is peaceful reform to a more open and democratic society that is in the interests of Egyptians and in the interests of the wider world. It is not for us to try to pick who should be the president of Egypt. It is a sovereign nation."

He issued the warning as mass protests continue across the country. At least 100 people are reported to have died in the violence.

Hague also advised British nationals in Cairo, Alexandria and Suez to leave the country on commercial flights unless they have vital reasons for staying. (ANI)