Benkirane, Bashir congratulate Morsi

Moroccan Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane has said he is happy with the victory of Mohammed Morsi, the head of the Islamist Freedom and Justice Party, in the Egyptian presidential election. Benkirane, also an Islamist, said in a press statement on Sunday night that the result was "an opportunity for a fresh birth for the new Egypt", while expressing his surprise at the number of votes obtained by Ahmad Shafiq, who he described as a candidate of the old regime. He added: "This is democracy and we should admit it." Benkirane continued: "This is a victory for democracy and a victory for the will of the people of Egypt, and a victory for reform...the victory of Morsi, the president of the Republic of Egypt, will be a historic opportunity to direct the Egyptian people in the direction of unity and reconciliation and the achievement of the renaissance." Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir  also congratulated Morsi, while also praising Egypt's ruling military council in managing the elections The statement said Sudan was keen to co-operate closely with the elected president of Egypt and the government to strengthen mutual interests.