In a speech to the Clinton Global Initiative in New York that hinted at looming tensions in the newly-democratic nation, Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi said freedom of expression must be used responsibly. “We must acknowledge the importance of freedom of expression and we must also recognise that such freedom comes with responsibilities, especially when it comes with serious implications for international peace and stability,” he emphasised.
Morsi repeated several times that he was the “first, democratically elected, civilian president of Egypt” and earned applause by asking his audience to “see a new Egypt.” His speech at the annual gala of former President Bill Clinton’s foundation followed a Monday-night meeting with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton that sought to repair ties that were strained severely after Egyptian demonstrators overran the US Embassy in Cairo.