Congressman Gregory W. Meeks Congratulates Egypt

(WASHINGTON, DC)– Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-6), Senior Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and House Financial Services released the following statement congratulating Egypt:

“Americans consider the liberties for which the Egyptians strive to be our birthright and the hallmark of our way of life. So, perhaps, we are cheering the loudest at what the Egyptians aim to accomplish. Recalling the important role that American youth played in our own civil rights and anti-war movements, we stand in admiration of the courage and determination of the Egyptian youth who led their country to this point. Like the American youth movements before them, they are changing a nation and the world.

“We admire, too, the discipline of the Egyptian army that has been serving their nation, keeping peace in the midst of the turmoil. Those in Tahrir Square trust the soldiers to protect them; and the soldiers prove themselves to be public servants. We urge the military to be good stewards of the interests of the Egyptian people during the transition period ahead.

“As Egyptians approach the challenge of organizing free and fair elections to select their new leaders, we are happy to help, if asked, in any way we can. As events transpire in Egypt, the region will look for relevance for their own countries. Egyptians’ ability to maintain domestic peace, while effecting democratic reforms will serve as an important model. Egypt can and should maintain it’s critical role as a stabilizing regional force; here, too, we will count on Egypt’s leadership. Peace in the Middle East takes on a profound significance when it is the enduring peace of democratic neighbors.

“To the Egyptian People: Mabrook! Mabrook for the values you have embraced. Mabrook for the stake in nation you have claimed. Mabrook for the democracy you will build.”