Voicing “deep concern” over the developments in Egypt, US President Barack Obama has urged the country’s military to quickly hand back power to a democratically-elected civilian Government.
“We are deeply concerned by the decision of the Egyptian Armed Forces to remove President Morsi and suspend the Egyptian constitution,” Obama said in a statement, adding: “I now call on the Egyptian military to move quickly and responsibly to return full authority back to a democratically elected civilian government as soon as possible through an inclusive and transparent process, and to avoid any arbitrary arrests of President Morsi and his supporters.”
In the cautiously-worded statement that was issued before Chief Justice Adly Mansour was sworn in as interim president, Obama avoided taking sides in the country’s ongoing political conflict. He said Washington “does not support particular individuals or political parties”, but “is committed to the democratic process and respect for the rule of law”. “Since the current unrest in Egypt began, we have called on all parties to work together to address the legitimate grievances of the Egyptian people, in accordance with the democratic process, and without recourse to violence or the use of force,” he said. While refrained from calling Morsi’s ouster a “coup”, Obama said the United States was monitoring the “very fluid situation”, noting that “ultimately the future of Egypt can only be determined by the
Egyptian people”.
He directed the US departments and agencies to review the legal implications of the developments in respect of American assistance to Egypt, amounting to $1.5 billion annually. Under the US law, the Fderal Government is required to suspend aid to a recipient nation that witnesses a military coup. Obama said the US continues to believe firmly that the best foundation for lasting stability in Egypt is a democratic political order with participation from all sides and all political parties -- secular and religious, civilian and military.
“During this uncertain period, we expect the military to ensure that the rights of all Egyptian men and women are protected, including the right to peaceful assembly, due process, and free and fair trials in civilian courts,” he said, adding the goal of any political process should be a Government that respects the rights of all people, institutionalises checks and balances, and places the interests of the people above party or faction.
He said the voices of all those who have protested peacefully must be heard – including those who welcomed Wednesday’s developments, and those who have supported President Morsi.
“No transition to democracy comes without difficulty, but in the end it must stay true to the will of the people,” Obama said.