After Egypt’s armed forces overthrew Islamist President Mohammed Morsi, officials from around the world on Thursday reacted to the news, mostly calling for a quick return to democracy.
As the streets of Egypt – where millions had been joined anti-Morsi protests this week – rejoiced in celebration, The European Union called on the country to hold free and presidential and parliamentary elections.
"I urge all sides to rapidly return to the democratic process, including the holding of free and fair presidential and parliamentary elections and the approval of a constitution, to be done in a fully inclusive manner, so as to permit the country to resume and complete its democratic transition," EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said in a statement, according to AFP.
She also voiced hopes that Egypt's new administration would be fully inclusive, stressing the importance of ensuring full respect for fundamental rights and the rule of law and said she would hold the authorities to account for this.
Meanwhile, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday appealed for calm and restraint in Egypt.
"Many Egyptians in their protests have voiced deep frustrations and legitimate concerns," he said in a statement, reported by Reuters,that did not condemn the Egyptian armed forces' ouster of Mursi.
"At the same time, military interference in the affairs of any state is of concern," he said. "Therefore, it will be crucial to quickly reinforce civilian rule in accordance with principles of democracy."
U.S. President Barack Obama said on Wednesday he was “deeply concerned” by the Egyptian military decision to remove Morsi.
He called for the swift return to civilian government, adding that he has directed relevant U.S. agencies to review the implications of U.S. to the Egyptian military.
In the Arab world, Saudi King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz congratulated the newly-appointed Egyptian interim President, Adly Mansour, on Wednesday.
“In my own name and on behalf of the people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, I congratulate you on assuming the leadership of Egypt at this critical point of its history,” said the king in a cable carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). “By doing so, I appeal to Allah Almighty to help you to shoulder the responsibility laid on your shoulder to achieve the hopes of our sisterly people of the Arab Republic of Egypt.”
King Abdullah also praised the armed forces.
Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates is following the developments in Egypt with satisfaction, UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan said on Wednesday, adding that UAE will continue to strengthen its bilateral relations with Egypt.
Jordan also commented on the latest developments in Egypt, Al Arabiya correspondent reported. The kingdom said it respected the wishes of the Egyptian people as well as the role of the armed forces.
