The ADL on Friday reacted to the resignation of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, calling the announcement "an extraordinary historic development for Egypt and the Middle East."
In a statement, the organization expressed hope that the transition of power would unfold peacefully and smoothly.
RELATED:Egypt's Mubarak steps down as presidentAshton calls for dialogue to form new gov't in Egypt"The demonstrations by the people of Egypt against the regime’s
authoritarianism and repression, and their demands for greater freedom,
political accountability and transparency, have been inspiring to all
who cherish democracy and liberty," the statement read.
The ADL did express some trepidation at the many unknowns in Egypt at
this time such as what the Muslim Brotherhood's role would be in a new
government and what the country's relations with Israel and the West
will be.
"The people of Egypt must now channel their passion for change into the
more difficult task of building the foundations for a true open,
inclusive and stable democracy. A truly democratic Egypt will involve
the structural, legal, and political reforms, the building of democratic
institutions with checks and balances, the growth of a vibrant civil
society which is inclusive of minorities and tolerant of dissent," the
statement continued.
The ADL called on the US and the international to "support peaceful
transition in Egypt, and urge that those who manage this transitional
period commit to sustaining regional stability, including through
maintaining and enhancing peaceful relations and security cooperation
with Israel. "