On Monday, Jan. 31, members of the Congress of Arab American Organizations gathered to discuss the ongoing fight for democracy that has reached several Arab countries. The group represents about 40 organizations in Michigan. 

They issued this statement: “The CAAO stands with the people of these countries and their aspirations for freedom and self-determination. The Arab American community stands opposed to the totalitarian Arab regimes that have forced their populations to live under oppression in abject poverty and inhumane conditions. We support the marches for freedom, reform, democracy, and respect for human rights,” CAAO spokesman and publisher of The Arab American News Osama Siblani, said, “We believe the interests of the United States can be best served by supporting the people of the region.”     

 The CAAO will hold a vigil on Saturday Feb. 5th at 5:00 p.m. at Dearborn City Hall on Michigan Avenue followed by a rally and press conference at 6:30 at the Lebanese American Heritage Club on Maple Road nearby. The group also requests that U.S. President Barack Obama’s administration and the U.S. Congress support the aspirations of the Egyptian protesters.