Washington, D.C. – Today, Brian Katulis, Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress, had the following reaction to the resignation of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak:
“President Mubarak’s decision to step down from his post is an important step in Egypt’s ongoing transition to an open, democratic system. He has been a strong ally of the United States and a proponent of peace in the region. But Egypt’s people have bravely expressed their legitimate political voice and demanded an end to his authoritarian regime. As Egypt begins a new chapter in its political history, it is critical that the Egyptian people and the Egyptian government remain committed to a peaceful and orderly transition toward a responsive and democratic political system. The Egyptian military should make clear its commitment to guarantee an open and democratic government for the people of Egypt.
"Mubarak leaving office is only the first step in Egypt’s political transition, and will not resolve Egypt’s ongoing political crisis. It remains unclear whether the Egyptian people will accept Vice President Suleiman as an interim leader, and the National Assembly, Egypt’s legislature, does not reflect the free vote of the Egyptian people. Constitutional reforms are necessary to open up the political system to all political parties and groups willing to play by the rules of democracy. In short, what Egypt needs is a full reboot of its political system. The Obama administration should remain focused on the constructive long-term goal of a peaceful and orderly transition to a free and democratic Egypt, and should continue to support steps – such as a new round of free and fair parliamentary elections – toward ensuring that outcome."
AVAILABLE FOR COMMENT: Brian Katulis, in Jerusalem, and Ken Gude, in D.C., are available for comment. To speak to our experts about political developments in Egypt, contact Christina DiPasquale at 202-481-8181 or [email protected].
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