Mubarak goes, but Egyptian Democrats still need NZ support

The Green Party has welcomed the departure of Egypt’s dictator Hosni Mubarak, but says New Zealand should remain engaged to help ensure the transition to democracy.

“Overcoming the Egyptian dictator through ‘people power’ was a truly historic achievement,” said Green Party Foreign Affairs spokesperson Keith Locke.
“However, political power now lies with the military, who have been an integral part of the regime.

“There is no guarantee that a full transition to democracy will take place without continued pressure from the people – and from the world community.

“Most immediately we should be supporting the Egyptian people’s demands for a free and open mass media (including state television); an end to the state of emergency; and acceptance of a role for all political parties.

“We should also be backing the people’s call for a broad-based transitional government to supervise revision of the constitution and the holding of new elections. Leaving power in the hands of elements of the old regime will only hinder the process of democratic transformation.”

ends

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