Foreign Affairs Chair Ileana Ros-Lehtinen Offers Thoughts on Egypt

Florida Republican Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, the chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, offered her thoughts on the events in Egypt late last week.

"For far too long the democratic hopes of the Egyptian people have been suppressed. Their cries for freedom can no longer be silenced, she said. "I am deeply concerned about the Egyptian government's heavy-handed response seeking to silence the Egyptian people. It is imperative that all parties involved avoid violence.

"I am further concerned that certain extremist elements inside Egypt will manipulate the current situation for nefarious ends, added Ros-Lehtinen. "The U.S. and other responsible nations must work together to support the pursuit of freedom, democracy, and human rights in Egypt and throughout the world."