The Obama administration at the weekend expressed concern over Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi's decision to grant himself sweeping new authority, warning that power in the nation should "not be overly concentrated in the hands of any one person or institution."
In a statement, State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said Morsi's actions go against the "the aspirations of the revolution" in 2011 that led to the ouster of longtime President Hosni Mubarak.
"One of the aspirations of the revolution was to ensure that power would not be overly concentrated in the hands of any one person or institution," Nuland said.
"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."
The administration's comments came after thousands of people took to the streets in cities across Egypt to protest Morsi's decision.
"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," Nuland said.
Morsi, who had earlier won praise for his role in brokering a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, last Thursday issued an order making him immune from decisions made by the nation's courts.
He also ordered retrials of former regime officials related to violence during the 2011 revolution, a move that could see Mubarak come before the courts again.
Mubarak, who ruled Egypt for three decades, was convicted in June on charges of being an accessory to murder in the deaths of protesters. He was sentenced to life in prison.
Morsi's decrees effectively place him above the law as Egypt drafts its new constitution.
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Mohamed Morsi doesn't have to listen to Obama's caution. After all, the U.S. has forced or looked the other way when Mubarak locked Mr. Morsi in prison for years, but Obama never apologized for. Former U.S. Secreaty of State under president Bill Clinton, Madeline Albright, apologozed to Iran for the overthrow of Mohammed Mossadegh in 1953 40 years later! I believe Barack Obama needs to apologize to Mr. Morsi first, and now, before he "caution him about Egypt's internal matters!" After all, those people who criticize Morsi now have been old Mubarak stalwarts, most of whom became millionaires from U.S. aid to Egypt, and they would like to see Mr. Morsi overthrown, so they could take over the Egyptian government again. I won't be surprised if the current protests against Mr. Morse are instigated and funded by the U.S. Mr. Morsi is a genuine product of the Egyptian Revolution, and he represents the will of the Egyptian people, whereas Obama represents the interests of the U.S. and Israel. Obama, therefore, represents those Egyptians who tortured the Egyptian people on behalf of the U.S., and deprived them of their civil and political rights for 32 years. Obama's lecturing of Mr. Morsi is, therefore, the epitome of hypocricy. Nikos Retsos, retired professor
There has never been a better analogue of the Kettle calling the pot black. From one would be dictator, to another.