White House concerned about Egypt's constitutional declaration

The White House has concerns about the latest developments in Egypt after a recent constitutional declaration was issued by President Mohamed Morsi, spokesman Jay Carney said on Monday. "Separately we've raised concerns about some of the decisions and declarations that were made on Nov. 22," he added. "Those concerns reflect the concerns that many Egyptians have and that others in the international community have." He asserted US support for Egypt in this critical time. "Our interest in the development and transition to democracy in Egypt is one that reflects what the Egyptian people demanded through their revolution and continue to demand, which is a government that reflects the will of the people," he said. "We will continue to work towards that goal because it reflects what the Egyptian people want." The spokesman hailed the role played by President Mohamed Morsi in reaching a truce between Israel and Gaza-based Palestinian groups. Morsi "played an important role," in bringing "about a ceasefire, so that lives could be saved and the possibility of moving forward on negotiations for a more enduring peace could be realized," Carney said.