France brushes off questions on legitimacy of Egyptian coup

France on Thursday sidestepped and brushed off questions regarding the legitimacy of the Egyptian army's ouster Wednesday of elected president, Mohammad Morsi, in a military coup, saying what is important now is the preparation of future elections in the country. French officials declined to qualify the army intervention as a coup or not, but called on the military to treat Morsi "with the respect due to him because of the function he has exercised." Mori was elected a year ago with 51.7 percent of the popular vote but his inability to federate different factions in Egyptian society and his failure to restore economic well-being led to mass protests calling for his ouster. After tens of millions of Egyptians took to the streets over the past week, the army obliged by forcing Morsi out and by suspending the constitution, and then appointing a senior judicial official, Adly Mansour, as interim leader. "We remind you of our attachment to the pursuit of political transition, bringing together all forces and tendencies through respect for human rights and democratic principles of political pluralism and freedom of expression," a Foreign Ministry statement said. Pressed about the military coup, officials here said that they had "registered" the recent "evolutions" that had taken place Wednesday in a "much deteriorated situation and extreme tension." France said it has taken note new elections will be held after a period of transition. "What's important now, is that the future (electoral) dates are prepared with respect for civil peace, pluralism and individual freedoms," Foreign Ministry spokesman Philippe Lalliot indicated in answer to KUNA questions. He added that Egyptians should work to keep what was gained through their revolution. Egyptians must be able to "freely choose their leaders and their future," Lalliot affirmed. Meanwhile some observers, who clearly see a military coup in Egypt, say the military role should be closely monitored in view of the history of its relations with politics in the country.