Merkel: Egypt Must Keep Peace With Israel

BERLIN (AP) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel says it is crucial that Egypt's new leadership is committed to the Mideast peace process and lives up to its obligations toward Israel.

She welcomed Egyptian President Mubarak's departure in the face of pro-democracy protests as "a historic change" and a "day of great joy."

But, Merkel said, "We also expect the future Egyptians governments will uphold peace in the Middle East and respect the treaties concluded with Israel, and that Israel's safety will be guaranteed."

Israel's greatest concern has been that its 1979 peace treaty with Egypt might not survive under a new government, especially if Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood - the largest and most organized opposition group - gains influence. The Brotherhood has opposed the treaty.