Jeff Fortenberry Mubarak Resignation “the Right Decision for the Future of Egypt”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Jeff Fortenberry today issued the following statement concerning Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's resignation from office: "America stands for the right of the Egyptian people to realize their highest aspirations, and today's news of President Mubarak's resignation marks the most significant moment in Egypt's recent history. "Yesterday, I was stunned by President Mubarak's decision to remain in office, as were the Egyptian people. Today, I think he made the right decision for the future of Egypt, and fortunately, there was no major escalation in violence.

I am hopeful that the Egyptian military, now in power, will follow through on recent promises to amend Egypt's constitution, implement democratic changes, investigate the acts of violence that ensued in recent weeks, and advance an orderly and peaceful transition.

"The key pillars of democracy are respect for human rights and the rule of law, and it is my hope that institutional processes that undergird these tenets will evolve to maintain peace and consolidate Egypt's historic role as an ongoing moderating force in the Middle East. Former Egyptian President Anwar Sadat laid down his life for this peace, and it is fundamental to the stability of the region.

"It is also essential that democratic reforms in Egypt are inclusive of minorities, particularly women and Christians. Although some groups, such as the Muslim Brotherhood, want to restrict their civic engagement, a just and peaceful outcome will respect the rights of democratic participation for all citizens. This is clearly the outcome that protesters are seeking to achieve."

Fortenberry, who lived near Tahrir Square in Cairo, is the Vice Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee with jurisdiction over Africa, and a member of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia. ###

TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: fortenberry.house.gov Washington DC Office 1514 Longworth House Office Washington, DC 20515 p (202) 225-4806 f (202) 225-5686

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