Russian President Medvedev hopes democratic mechanisms will be restored in Egypt

MOSCOW: Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Saturday released a statement in which he expressed the hope that democratic mechanisms will be swiftly restored in Egypt, where a revolution ousted President Hosni Mubarak.

"Russia hopes that democratic processes in Egypt will be fully restored and all legitimate electoral procedures will be applied to this effect," Medvedev said. "We also think it is extremely important that interfaith concord and harmony prevail in Egypt. A strong democratic Egypt is an important factor in continuing the peace process in the Middle East."

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak resigned from the presidency on Friday after weeks of massive anti-government protests, an announcement hailed by millions around the country and across the world. The resignation of Mubarak is seen as a historic change in Egypt and the Middle East, and ends his 30-year rule.

"Russia will continue to play an active role in international efforts to facilitate this process," Medvedev said. "Our country and Egypt are linked by a long-standing history of strategic partnership relations. We have actively developed our political, economic and humanitarian ties, and we expect to develop them further in the future."

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