US needs to be 'cautious' with Egypt

The US Senate Armed Services Committee chairman, Carl Levin, expressed worries over the recent constitutional declaration issued by President Mohamed Morsi. "We have to be cautious," Levin told NBC's Meet the Press, adding that President Obama should express his concerns and remind Morsi that he must respect the democratic process that elected him while protecting minorities and human rights. Levin's reaction has followed statements by Senator John McCain who described Morsi's power grab as "unacceptable". In a statement, the State Department responded Friday to Morsi's order, saying, "The current constitutional vacuum in Egypt can only be resolved by the adoption of a constitution that includes checks and balances, and respects fundamental freedoms, individual rights, and the rule of law consistent with Egypt's international commitments." "We call for calm and encourage all parties to work together and call for all Egyptians to resolve their differences over these important issues peacefully and through democratic dialogue."