DEARBORN – The Congress of Arab American Organizations held a meeting at the Lebanese American Heritage Club in Dearborn on Thursday, Feb. 10 to discuss recent events in Egypt, as embattled president Hosni Mubarak refused to step down despite pressure from millions of protesters.

The CAAO announced it will hold a vigil for the Egyptian people at Dearborn City Hall at 13615 Michigan Ave. on Saturday, Feb. 12 at 4 p.m. followed by a rally inside the LAHC at 4337 Maple St.  afterward.

Then on the following Friday, Feb. 18 at 4 p.m., another demonstration is tentatively scheduled to be held in downtown Detroit outside of the Patrick V. McNamara Federal Building.

Another tentative event planned for the same day is a  march to the Central United Methodist Church located at 23 E. Adams St. in Detroit, near Comerica Park afterward for a rally and speeches.  Those who are unable to attend the outdoor portion are encouraged to attend the rally at the church. Further info will be given earlier in the week.

The CAAO stands in solidarity with the millions of protesters in Egypt marching for freedom, self-determination, and democracy.

Hasan Newash of the Palestine Office of Michigan reminded the group that the United States has stood behind Democratic movements in other places across the world in the past such as Ukraine for example and that they should do the same in the Arab world.

Other CAAO members agreed that the time is now for the U.S. to show support for the historic uprisings for democracy in accordance with its democratic ideals.

“We should take this opportunity to plant the seeds of peace in region, especially since it’s not costing us any American dollars this time around,” said Dearborn Heights Community & Economic Development Department Director Ron Amen.

The group released the following statement and call to action:

“The CAAO considers freedom and democracy universal rights that every citizen of every country should be allowed to have. The Arab American community supports the Egyptians in their quest for these rights. We maintain our support for the people across the Arab world who have fallen victim to the oppressive regimes.”

“We urge the Obama administration and the U.S. Congress to take a firm and unwavering stance in support of the Egyptian people and the ousting of not just authoritarian President Hosni Mubarak but also his entire regime.”

“We strongly urge the U.S. to reverse its support of oppressive totalitarian regimes in the Arab world in support of the ideals of freedom and democracy that we cherish here.”