WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) issued the following statement Friday in response to the resignation of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and the nation’s transition to a new government:
“The people of Egypt declared loudly and clearly their desire for democracy, economic opportunity, and greater freedom, demanding a free, fair, and transparent democratic government. It is my hope that those dreams will soon be realized. With his resignation today, President Mubarak has recognized and respected this truly historic moment in Egypt's history.
"Though important to preserve order and ensure the safety of the Egyptian people during this transition, I urge the military to exercise restraint and work with transitional leaders to lay the foundation for credible elections that will lead to a truly representative government. Egypt's transitional leaders and military should move to lift the emergency law, ensure civil and human rights, and continue to adhere to international obligations for peace in the region and security on the border with Gaza."
Senator Coons is a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.