Washington, DC -- Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-17) released the following statement after the resignation of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, after 18 days of protests by the Egyptian people.  Rep. Engel is a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

"I am optimistic for the future, but wary of what may happen after the celebrations end.  I am hopeful a government more reflective of the Egyptian people comes to power after democratic elections.  However, we must be mindful of the lessons of the past after dramatic transfers of power such as this one.  Today is a day of celebration for Egypt, but the work has just begun.

“The United States stands by the Egyptian people as they turn the page towards a democracy and freedom for all Egyptians.   We have been allies for decades, and I am hopeful we will be allies for many more.  Close ties with the United States remains in the best interest of the American and Egyptian people.  There is a delicate balance to be found, and it will take careful diplomacy from all parties to achieve it.

“Watching the images from Egypt reminds me of the fall of the Soviet Union and the euphoria felt by all the nations behind the Iron Curtain.  It is always good to see freedom emerge, but the hard work towards a workable democracy in Egypt still remains. 

“However, the future of Egypt is not in the hands of America, it is squarely in the hands of the Egyptians.  We are on the side of democracy, but we must be mindful that extremist groups, such as the Muslin Brotherhood, do not hijack this budding democracy the way their cousins in Hamas have in Gaza.

“The next Egyptian government must maintain full allegiance to the peace treaty with Israel.  I think the international community must speak as one that a transparent and orderly democratic process, rejection of all violence, and the guaranteeing of internationally accepted human and civil rights for all Egyptians are unalterable obligations of any Egyptian government.

“We must not cut U.S. assistance to Egypt, especially not during these critical days in their history.  Egypt has been a friend and a bulwark of stability in the Middle East for more than 30 years.  However, I am glad that the Obama Administration has begun a review of our assistance to Egypt because now is the time to step up our support for the democratic process and the rule of law.

“I send my support to the Egyptian people in their efforts to achieve a democratic and free society.”

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