Egypt said today it respects the choice of the Tunisian people after a popular uprising overthrew Tunisian President Zine al-Abedine Ali, who had held power since 1987.
In a statement, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said, "while respecting the choices made by the Tunisian people, Egypt trusts they are wise enough to control the situation and avoid plunging Tunisia into chaos."
The statement added that "it is important for Tunisians to cooperate to preserve the gains they have made in the decades since independence and prevent any negative developments that may endanger those gains."
Press reports state that Tunisia is currently suffering a lack of security as gangs intimidate people and loot shops. Some reports claimed these gangs were sent out by the Interior Ministry, which is one of the bastions of the outgoing regime.
