Moran Weighs In On Egypt

U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-Virginia 8th District) released a statement Friday afternoon following news of the resignation of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak after 30 years of rule.

In Cairo, citizens spent 18 days demonstrating against Mubarak with eyes on creating a democracy in the world's largest Arab nation.

In his statement, Moran asserted his opinion that the United States should work with the controlling military to ensure fair elections as the country moves forward.

Here is Moran's complete statement:

“President Mubarak’s decision to step down will hopefully mark the beginning of a long awaited peaceful transfer to democratic rule in Egypt. After weeks of protests, the Egyptian government is responding to the calls of its people to open the discussion about Egypt’s future to all of its citizens, and to end a repressive regime. 

“This is a rare and historic moment for democracy worldwide. The Egyptian people understand that their country cannot reach its full potential under a dictatorship and have rightly called for freedom. The U.S. should continue to be on the side of the Egyptian people in Freedom Square as they move toward democracy. With the military in control, we now need to work with their leadership to ensure that elections reflecting the will of the people are held in reasonable timeframe.”

Have you been watching the demonstrations and Friday's news on television or online? How have you been digesting the news and what do you think? Tell us in the comments section.