Reactions to Egypt elections: Iran, Israel, US welcome Morsy's victory

Israel voiced respect on Sunday for the victory of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt's presidential election, calling on the new administration in Cairo to maintain the countries' peace accord.   

"Israel appreciates the democratic process in Egypt and respects its outcome," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement after the Brotherhood's candidate, Mohamed Morsy, was declared successor to ousted Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak.   

"Israel expects continue cooperation with the Egyptian administration on the basis of the peace accord between the two countries, which is in the interest of the two peoples and contributes to regional stability," the statement said.

In turn, Iran's Foreign Ministry congratulated Egyptians  for the victory of Morsy and said the country was in the final stages of an "Islamic Awakening".
   
"The revolutionary movement of the Egyptian people... is in its final stages of the Islamic Awakening and a new era of change in the Middle East," the ministry said in a statement on the Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA).

Meanwhile, The United States congratulated Morsy for his "milestone" victory and urged the Muslim Brotherhood leader to form his government carefully and respect the right of all Egyptians as he takes power.

"We congratulate the Egyptian people for this milestone in their transition to democracy," White House spokesman Jay Carney said in a statement, calling on the new leader to ensure Egypt remains "a pillar of regional peace, security and stability."

"We believe that it is important for President-elect Morsy to take steps at this historic time to advance national unity by reaching out to all parties and constituencies in consultations about the formation of a new government," Carney said. He  stressed the need for respect of the rights of all Egyptians, including women and religious minorities like Coptic Christians.

REUTERS