WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative. Edward J. Markey (D-Malden), dean of the Massachusetts Congressional delegation, issued the following statement today on the situation in Egypt:  

“Like many Americans, I am following the events in Egypt closely and urge Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to respond favorably to the demands of the Egyptian people for greater democracy. It is my hope that a transition to a more open, participatory system will emerge soon in Egypt without further bloodshed, and I support the Egyptian people’s call for free and fair elections at the earliest possible opportunity. The safety and human rights of those who are protesting peacefully should be protected, and the Egyptian government should restore Internet access and communications service to allow the 80 million people there to communicate with each other and the rest of the world and exercise the democratic ideal of free speech and expression. During the ongoing turmoil in Egypt, United States citizens should follow the instructions of the State Department and take the precautions recommended by our government.

“Egypt was the first Arab country to make peace with Israel and has continued to be an important source of stability for the Middle East. It is my hope that, regardless of the leadership chosen by the Egyptian people, Egypt will continue in the future to remain a positive force for peace in the region.”

For more information on instructions from the State Department for Americans in Egypt or planning travel to the region, visit http://egypt.usembassy.gov/consular/travpubl.html.

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