WASHINGTON (JTA) — The next Egyptian government should recognize its peace with Israel, the White House said.
"It’s important that the next government of Egypt recognize the accords that have been signed with Israel," spokesman Robert Gibbs said in a news conference after President Obama congratulated Egyptians following the exit of President Hosni Mubarak.
Obama in his statement said the United States would provide assistance toward transitioning Egypt to democracy "if asked" and that "nothing less than genuine democracy will carry the day."
The American leader also said that all parties should have a say in the transition to democracy, suggesting that the United States will not object to participation by the Muslim Brotherhood in the process.
"This transition must bring all of Egypt’s voices to the table," he said.
Gibbs suggested that the recent fretting over the prospects of an Islamist Egypt were overstated.
"I don’t think we have to fear democracy," he said.
The democracy wave in the Middle East might sweep Iran, Gibbs said, noting recent reports of intensified Iranian government repression.
"What you’ve seen in the region is the government of Iran quite frankly scared of the will of its people," he said.
