Washington: Reacting to the turbulent situation in Egypt amid ouster of Mohamed Morsi, US lawmakers have called for stability in the African country, holding it crucial for America`s national security and the interests of its allies in the Middle East.
They also flayed Morsi, noting that the ousted President paid the price of not paying heed to people`s aspirations.
"It is unfortunate that Morsi did not heed popular demands for early elections after a year of his incompetent leadership and attempting a power grab for the Muslim Brotherhood. He was an obstacle to the Constitutional democracy most Egyptians wanted," Congressman Ed Royce said.
"I am hopeful his departure will reopen the path to a better future for Egypt, and I encourage the military and political parties to cooperate in peaceful establishment of democratic institutions and new elections that lead to an Egypt where minority rights are protected," Royce said.
Senator Robert Menendez, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said called for reaching a political solution for the sake of the Egyptian people.
"Circumstances in Egypt are rapidly unfolding. During this period of upheaval it is critical that all parties exercise restraint that protests are peaceful, and that violence is rejected. Already too many lives have been lost during this period of unrest, including that of a US citizen," he said.
"It is imperative that a political solution be reached for the sake of the Egyptian people, and that the nation quickly returns to a democratic and peaceful path where the people`s voices are heard and respected," Menendez said.
The House Majority Leader, Eric Cantor praised the Egyptian military, describing it as a friend of the US, as he noted that the Egypt`s stability is tremendously important for America`s national security and for the security of our allies in the Middle East.
"The Egyptian military has long been a key partner of the US and a stabilising force in the region, and is perhaps the only trusted national institution in Egypt today.
In the difficult days ahead, it will be important for Egyptian authorities to safeguard the rights, interests, and security of all of Egypt`s citizens," Cantor said.
Charlotte Florance, from the Heritage Foundation, said democracy lovers need not shed many tears over the apparent coup, saying that Morsi was no defender of democratic rights.
PTI
