Statement by Senators and McCain and Lieberman on Egypt

Statement

U.S. Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Joe Lieberman (I-CT) today released the following statement on Egypt:

"We congratulate Mohammed Morsi on his election to be president of Egypt. The Egyptian people have spoken, and we respect their choice and look forward to working with President-elect Morsi in a spirit of mutual respect and in pursuit of the many shared interests of the United States and Egypt.

"America's interest in Egypt's presidential election has never been about the victory or defeat of a particular candidate. That is a matter for the Egyptian people to decide, as they have now done. America's goal is in seeing a transparent and accountable democratic process take root and grow in Egypt, in which free and fair elections that are consistent with international standards become a regular and irreversible feature of political life.

"In the days and weeks ahead, we believe it is critical for Egypt's democratic transition to continue moving forward -- including restoring legislative power to an elected parliament and the drafting of a constitution that guarantees the rights of all and empowers an elected civilian government. We also hope that all of Egypt's leaders will now set aside their disagreements and work together to address the many urgent problems facing their country. In particular, we hope that President-elect Morsi reaches out to all elements of Egyptian society, leading Egypt forward in a spirit of cooperation and consensus.

"Despite the instability and uncertainties of recent months, we continue to believe that America's interests and our values compel us to stand with the Egyptian people as they endeavor to reform and renew their country based on the principles that inspired their February 2011 revolution -- the vision of a prosperous and democratic Egypt, where the fundamental rights of all citizens are protected, and that is at peace with itself and its neighbors."

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