Washington - With Egyptian President Mubarak announcing he will remain in office until the September elections, US Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today reiterated his call for an immediate, peaceful transition in the Egyptian government:
"The Egyptian people will be heard. For generations, they have lived under Mubarak's autocratic rule. An interim authority comprised of the myriad voices in Egyptian society could guide political reform and constitutional reform, leading to free elections while ensuring political and economic stability during this period of transition, including the provision of assurances to the international community about Egypt's commitment to upholding its international obligations.
"Too many have fought, risked and - in many cases - gave their lives. The West is not dictating the future of Egypt; the Egyptian people are demanding a different future, a democratic future. Now, the President must listen to the people. Egyptians deserve to have the opportunity to pursue equality and opportunity."
During Mubarak's speech, Senator Menendez met with Egyptian leaders in New Jersey and discussed next steps for the country and its people. Menendez also introduced a resolution in the Senate, adopted in January by unanimous consent, condemning the New Year's Day attack on Egypt's Coptic Christian community. This attack underscored the need for religious freedom and equality of treatment for all Egyptians. Click here for a PDF of the resolution: http://menendez.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Coptic Church Res - Final1.pdf.
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