Washington, February 01: A senior Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee is calling on President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt to resign and for the U.S. to suspend its aid to the nation.
Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-N.Y.) said Monday that in the midst of the popular uprising in Egypt, “it’s time for America to step off of the rhetorical tight rope and stand clearly with the people of Egypt in their struggle for freedom.” Ackerman is the top Democrat on the Middle East subcommittee on the Foreign Affairs panel, and until earlier this month served as its chairman.
“While initially it may have been prudent for the Obama Administration to walk that rhetorical tight rope to keep the confidence of regional leaders, that moment has surely passed,” Ackerman said in a statement. “By their passion, courage and sacrifice in the streets, Egyptians have proven beyond question that they are taking their government back and that the Mubarak-era of rule is ending.
“President Mubarak has been a valuable partner for the United States, but he has, by his own decisions and successive phony elections, shorn his rule of any mandate or legitimacy beyond that provided by force and arms. His last act of service to Egypt should be to facilitate a fast transfer of power to a transitional government that can prepare for free and fair elections.”
Ackerman said the U.S. should cut off its aid to Egypt during the transition from Mubarak’s rule.
–Agencies