GAZA CITY — World governments and leaders Sunday welcomed the election of the Muslim Brotherhood's Mohammad Mursi as Egypt's first president following the ouster of Hosni Mubarak. The United States congratulated Mursi on his election and urged his government to fulfill its role as a “pillar of regional peace.” “We believe that it is important for president-elect Mursi 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,” a White House statement said. There was celebratory gunfire in the Gaza Strip, which borders Egypt and is ruled by Hamas, which has its roots in the Brotherhood and close ties with it. Senior Hamas official Mahmud Zahar said the victory was “a historic moment and a new era in the history of Egypt,” as Gazans cheered and fired volleys of celebratory gunfire in the streets of the coastal enclave. Zahar called Mursi's victory “a defeat for the program of normalization and security cooperation with the enemy,” referring to Israel. The Palestinian Authority also congratulated Mursi. “We congratulate Doctor Mohammed Mursi,” Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erakat said. The Palestinians have closely watched Egypt's post-uprising transition, with Hamas hailing the rise of its traditional ally the Muslim Brotherhood, which also won a majority in Egypt's parliamentary elections. The United Arab Emirates likewise welcomed Mursi's victory, urging “stability” in the north African nation, state news agency WAM reported. The UAE, “welcomes the results of presidential elections (there) and respects the choice of the brotherly Egyptian people in their track of democracy,” said a Foreign Ministry statement. The Gulf state “hopes all efforts to combine now toward securing stability, harmony, and cooperation among all parties ... to fulfill the aspirations of the Egyptian people,” it said. In Kuwait, meanwhile, Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah congratulated Mursi on the “confidence the brotherly people of Egypt had granted him by electing him as president,” KUNA news agency reported. The emir wished the newly elected Islamist leader “good luck in fulfilling the aspirations of Egyptians in achieving further prosperity and for security and stability to prevail” in the country, it added. Qatar for its part “expressed its appreciation for the role of the (ruling) Supreme Council of the Armed Forces and Egypt's judges in helping this experience turn out to be successful.” “With this step, Egyptians have taken their country toward democracy so it could resume its great historic role,” said the statement on the state news agency QNA. Iran welcomed Mursi;s victory, but made no mention of possibly resuming diplomatic ties cut more than three decades ago. “The Islamic Republic of Iran congratulates Dr. Mohammad Al-Mursi, and pays homage to the country's martyrs,” said a Foreign Ministry statement. Iran “confidently wishes the ever-increasing progress and success of the Egyptian people thanks to their mass presence in the political and social arenas.” In London, Foreign Secretary William Hague congratulated Mursi on his “historic” victory, and called on the new leader to respect the rights of its citizens. “I congratulate the Egyptian people for their commitment to the democratic process and electing a new president,” Hague said in a statement issued by the Foreign Office. The minister called it “an historic moment for Egypt” and welcomed Morsi's pledge to form an inclusive government, wishing him “success in the challenging task ahead”. French President Francois Hollande congratulated Mursi and said he was ready to work with him. “It is important that the transition which began in February 2011 continue so that, in line with the commitments made, a democratic and pluralist political system can be established in Egypt as well as the rule of law which guarantees the civil and political liberties of all citizens and minorities,” Hollande's office said in a statement. — Agencies
