Senate Egypt resolution pledges 'full support' for transition to democracy

A resolution passed by the Senate last night pledges the Senate's "full support" for Egypt's transition to a representative democracy that "is responsive to the needs of the Egyptian people," and calls on "all nations" to support this transition.

The resolution, approved quickly by unanimous consent on Thursday, "ensures that the United States assistance to the Egyptian Government, military, and people will advance the goal of ensuring the respect for the universal rights of the Egyptian people."

It also calls on Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to "immediately begin an orderly and peaceful transition to a democratic political system, including the transfer of power to an inclusive interim caretaker government."

In response to the escalating risk of violence, the resolution urges the Egyptian military to "demonstrate maximum professionalism and restraint."