"The United States stands with Egypt as it answers its own citizens' aspirations call to establish their own form of democracy and to protect the rights and dignity of every Egyptian citizen, said Francis J. Ricciardone, the American ambassador to Egypt. The American Independence Day celebration on July 4 took place at the recently renovated Mohamed Ali Palace. Ricciardone delivered a speech invoking the principles upon which America has been founded. "That all human beings are created equal, possess basic rights to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, and that it is the responsibility of government to protect these right...are the cornerstone of our foreign policy. In regard to Egypt, the Ambassador claimed support for Egyptian citizen's efforts in establishing their own form of democracy and securing their rights and dignity. "As an American, I am optimistic about the future of Egypt, the Egyptian people and American-Egyptian relations, he said. The Ambassador then commenced the ceremonies in celebration of the friendship between the US and Egypt as well as other countries represented at the event.
