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Meng Supports Egyptian Military Ultimatum

July 2, 2013
U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, today issued the following statement on the Egyptian military's ultimatum to Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi. Egypt's military announced yesterday that it would step in if President Morsi did not resolve the country's political crisis within 48 hours.
"I strongly support the decision by the Egyptian military to intervene in the country's political crisis if President Morsi is unable to resolve it within the 48 hour deadline given to him by military leaders.
In the wake of deaths, assaults on women, mass unrest and a lack of basic security throughout the country, it has become increasingly and painfully clear that the Egyptian government is losing its ability to govern the nation. As the largest Arab state and the linchpin of security in the region, Egypt cannot be allowed to implode.
The U.S. has and should continue to support democratic governance in Egypt. At this juncture, however, the need for basic security is paramount. It is clear that this has compelled the military's announcement, not a desire for power or an aversion to the democratic process. Egypt's military has in the past supported transition to civilian control, and would be expected to do so again."
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