Kucinich Tells Mubarak That's Not Good Enough

Kucinich: “There is an Election Right Now in Egypt – a Voice Vote of Millions”

Mubarak says he won’t seek reelection

Washington D.C. (February 1, 2011) – Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) today released the following statement after Egyptian President Hosni Barak announced that he would not step down but not seek reelection.

“Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak today announced that he would remain in power but not seek reelection in the fall. President Mubarak’s attempts thus far to appease the Egyptian people through the reshuffling of his cabinet, pledges of constitutional reforms, purported dialogue with opposition parties and the appointment of a successor have been futile. Reports indicate that the Administration, through diplomatic channels, has urged Mubarak not to run again when presidential elections are to be held later this year. But it is not up to Washington to decide what the people of Egypt have already decided themselves.

“There is an election occurring right now in Egypt– a voice vote of millions demanding immediate change and an end to the Mubarak regime. President Mubarak’s announcement to not run again is not likely to satisfy the millions of people calling for his immediate resignation.

“We can best support the wishes of the Egyptian people by letting them take the fate of their country into their own hands and by refusing to manipulate this unprecedented grassroots movement for our own interests. Requests made by the millions of Egyptian people to register their calls in the form of free and fair elections must be supported,” said Kucinich.

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