Ileana Ros-Lehtine Comments on Mubarak Decision to Step Down

(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented today on reports that Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak has stepped down. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:

“Now that the immediate demands of the Egyptian people have been met, steps must be taken for the prompt commencement of a calm and orderly transition process towards freedom and democracy in Egypt.

“This transition must include constitutional and administrative reforms, starting with the repeal of the emergency laws. These are necessary for legitimate, democratic, internationally-recognized elections to take place with peaceful, responsible actors who will not only advance the aspirations of the Egyptian people, but will continue to enforce Egypt’s international obligations.

“The Egyptian military can continue to play a constructive role in providing for security and stability during this transformational period.

“The U.S. and our allies must focus our efforts on helping to create the necessary conditions for such a transition to take place. We must also urge the unequivocal rejection of any involvement by the Muslim Brotherhood and other extremists who may seek to exploit and hijack these events to gain power, oppress the Egyptian people, and do great harm to Egypt’s relationship with the United States, Israel, and other free nations.” #####

TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: Press Contact: House Foreign Affairs Committee, U.S. House of Representatives. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Chairman. Brad Goehner, (202) 226-8467