US urges Egyptian army to ensure democracy

As the Army took charge of Egypt's governance following the resignation of embattled President Hosni Mubarak, eminent US lawmakers reminded the Egyptian Army that they have an obligation to ensure that democratic transformation occurs in an orderly and peaceful fashion.

While Congressmen praised the Egyptian Army for their professionalism during the last two-weeks of political unrest in the country, their statement reflected the apprehensions they have any army given the past experience when militaries have come to power in garb of maintaining law and order and restoration of democracy, which takes years to accomplish.

"Egypt's army and transitional leaders must heed the call to lift the emergency law and clarify a timetable to establish a proper foundation for credible elections," Senator John Kerry, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said.

The Egyptian military can continue to play a constructive role in providing for security and stability during this transformational period, said Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

"The Egyptian military, the most respected institution within the country, has an obligation to help ensure democratic transformation occurs in an orderly and peaceful fashion," said Senator Lindsey Graham, in a statement.

"In the days ahead, the Egyptian military will continue to have a critical role in maintaining order and stability while allowing their fellow Egyptians to exercise their universal rights in peace," Senator John McCain said.

Senator Joe Lieberman hoped that Egyptian army which has displayed such admirable professionalism and restraint during the historic events of recent days, will seize the opportunity to reach out to the opposition and make them a full partner in jointly developing a roadmap and timetable for transition.

This he said should include the immediate suspension of the emergency law, legal enshrinement of the right to free speech and other fundamental freedoms, and preparations for free, fair, and inclusive elections that are internationally-monitored and meet international standards.

"Egypt must now move forward in creating a civilian-led government that incorporates the reforms demanded, and deserved, by the Egyptian people, said Senator Adam Smith.

"I hope that the relationship between the US military and the Egyptian military that has provided such a valuable channel of communication will continue and will help reinforce the need to continue to transition to a civilian-led, stable, democratic government," he said.

"Egypt's future is still uncertain: the goal of a secular, democratically-elected civilian government, which keeps peace with its neighbours and meets its treaty obligations, will still take hard work and perhaps quite some time to realise in full," said the Democratic Whip Steny H Hoyer.

"Now Egypt's leaders must emerge and take concerted steps that will result in a stable, orderly transition to a real democratic society that fosters prosperity for its people and peace with its neighbours. My hope is that the situation remains non-violent and stability returns to the country," Senator Kirstin Gellibrand said.