West Welcomes Morsi's Win, U.S. Urges New Govt. to be 'Pillar of Peace'

The West welcomed on Sunday the election of the Muslim Brotherhood's Mohammed Morsi as Egypt's first president following the ouster of Hosni Mubarak.

The United States congratulated Morsi on his election and urged his government to fulfill its role as a "pillar of regional peace."

After a bitterly divisive election that pitted Morsi against Mubarak-era premier Ahmed Shafiq, the White House called on the newly elected leader to bridge a polarized nation.

"We believe that it is important for president-elect Morsi to take steps at this historic time to advance national unity by reaching out to all parties and constituencies in consultations about the formation of a new government," spokesman Jay Carney said in a statement.

And after Morsi's victory marked the first time Islamists have taken the presidency of the Arab world's most populous nation, the White House called on the newly crowned leader to maintain Egypt's long-standing role as regional powerbroker.

"We believe it is essential for the Egyptian government to continue to fulfill Egypt's role as a pillar of regional peace, security and stability," Carney said, in a veiled reference to hopes for continued cooperation with Israel.

Egypt is one of only two Arab countries -- the other is Jordan -- to have made peace with the Jewish state. The Egypt-Israel peace treaty was signed in 1979.

The United States, which has provided over $1 billion in annual military aid to Egypt for years, has also previously expressed concern over the Muslim Brotherhood's record on the rights of women and non-Muslim minorities in the country.

"We believe in the importance of the new Egyptian government upholding universal values, and respecting the rights of all Egyptian citizens -- including women and religious minorities such as Coptic Christians," Carney said.

"Millions of Egyptians voted in the election, and president-elect Morsi and the new Egyptian government have both the legitimacy and responsibility of representing a diverse and courageous citizenry."

His statement hailed the election, congratulating Egyptians on "this milestone in their transition to democracy."

Despite the historic significance of Morsi's win, recent moves by the ruling military to consolidate its power have rendered the post toothless.

Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary William Hague congratulated Morsi on his "historic" victory and called on the new leader to respect the rights of its citizens.

"I congratulate the Egyptian people for their commitment to the democratic process and electing a new president," Hague said in a statement issued by the Foreign Office.

The minister called it "an historic moment for Egypt" and welcomed Morsi's pledge to form an inclusive government, wishing him "success in the challenging task ahead".

"It will be important for the new government to stand for national unity and reconciliation, to build bridges across Egyptian society and to uphold human rights, including the rights of women and religious minorities, and the rule of law," stressed Hague.

Hague insisted that a new parliament and constitution were essential in stabilizing the country, and pledged support for Egyptians "as they take steps to consolidate their democratic rights".

"We value our long-standing partnership with Egypt, including on regional issues, and look forward to working with President Morsi and his government to support the process of democratic transition," he added.

For his part, French President Francois Hollande congratulated Morsi and said he was ready to work with him.

"It is important that the transition which began in February 2011 continue so that, in line with the commitments made, a democratic and pluralist political system can be established in Egypt as well as the rule of law which guarantees the civil and political liberties of all citizens and minorities," Hollande's office said in a statement.

"Our country stands ready to work with the new president-elect."

Hollande said France would back Egypt in European and international organizations to help it "overcome the difficulties it faces, notably in the economy".