US on Egyptian arrests during elections

US Department Of State said yesterday in response to a question about news of Egyptian government arrests of Muslim Brothers during the elections "we think it's important that all Egyptians have the ability to express their will about Egypt's future direction and their -- as well as the future direction of their political system through the ballot box. We think that that's an important right and that the Egyptian Government has a responsibility to provide an atmosphere for its people in which they can feel as though they have -- they are not encumbered, they are not barred from or under the threat of violence or coercion, in exercising that basic political right."

The US added "Inasmuch as any of the individuals arrested broke any Egyptian laws, which I can't confirm for you at this point, we would underscore the importance that they receive due process and that that due process unfolds in an atmosphere of transparency and openness."