World Leaders React to Egypt's Election Results

By Michael Lipin

A sampling of international reaction to Egypt's announcement of Islamist Mohammed Morsi as the winner of the country's presidential election:

UNITED STATES

White House statement: President Obama called Morsi to congratulate him. Mr. Obama underscored that the United States will continue to support Egypt’s transition to democracy and stand by the Egyptian people as they fulfill the promise of their revolution. He emphasized his interest in working with President-elect Morsi on the basis of mutual respect, to advance the many shared interests between Egypt and the United States. The two leaders affirmed their commitment to advancing the U.S.-Egypt partnership and agreed to stay in close touch in the weeks and months ahead.

UNITED NATIONS

U.N. statement: Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon congratulated Morsi on his election, saying he trusts that the president-elect will spare no effort in ensuring the people of Egypt realize their aspirations for greater democracy, the promotion of human rights, and a more prosperous and stable Egypt for all of its citizens. Mr. Ban noted that the imminent handover of power to the elected president marks the end of one important phase of Egypt’s ongoing transition to greater democracy. He stressed the need to strengthen and build strong, independent institutions and to allow civil society to flourish and to play its role fully and freely.

ISRAEL

Benjamin Netanyahu statement: Israel honors the democratic process in Egypt and respects its results. Israel looks forward to continued cooperation with the Egyptian government on the basis of the peace agreement between the two countries that is an interest of both peoples and contributes to regional stability.

HAMAS

Gaza-based Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh to Reuters TV: "We will look to Egypt to play a big, leading role, a historic role, regarding the Palestinian cause, in helping the Palestinian nation get freedom, return home, and totally end the Gaza siege. I hope for Egypt to be united."

PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY

Palestinian Authority statement: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas congratulated Morsi in a telegram. Mr. Abbas wished him success in serving the Egyptian people and maintaining Egypt's achievements in promoting the Palestinian issue. He said the Palestinian Authority looks forward to working together in serving the interests of the two peoples who share strong bonds of brotherhood.

IRAN

Iran's foreign ministry issued a statement congratulating Morsi and saying his victory is part of an "Islamic Awakening" in the Middle East. It paid tribute to the "martyrs" of the Egyptian revolution and wished continued success to the Egyptian people, noting their "vibrant presence in the political and social arenas."

BRITAIN

British Foreign Secretary William Hague's Twitter feed: The people of Egypt have elected a new president. I congratulate him and them on the result, and the peaceful process. I hope Egypt's new president will show early leadership on democratic and economic reforms, and rights of all Egyptian men and women.

FRANCE

French presidency statement: President Francois Hollande congratulates Morsi, says it is important that the Egyptian transition that began in February 2011 continues so that a "democratic and pluralist political system can be established in Egypt, guaranteeing civil and political freedoms of all citizens and minorities." ---VOA News