Amid massive protests in Egypt that turned to be violent clashes across the country, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged on Friday the local security forces to protect the protesters.

Amid massive protests in Egypt that turned to be violent clashes across the country, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged on Friday the local security forces to protect the protesters and called on the Egyptians to demonstrate "exclusively by peaceful means."

Ban called, with growing concern, all the parties in Egypt to peacefully restore constitutional order.

"There are horrifying reports of violence against protestors," he added in a statement.

"The Secretary-General believes strongly that this is a critical juncture in which it is imperative for Egyptians to work together to chart a peaceful return to civilian control, constitutional order, and democratic governance," said the statement.

"There is no place for retribution or for the exclusion of any major party or community," the statement added.

"The Egyptians themselves must be able to determine the way forward and to successfully address the challenges the country currently faces," Ban added.

Ban also stressed his belief in an ongoing strong partnership with Egypt to support a peaceful transition to a representative and democratic governance.