The United States will continue to stand with the Egyptian people, and those across the region, as they defend universal values and work toward a better future for all Egyptians.

WHITEHOUSE: Statement by the Press Secretary on Egypt��s Transition to Democracy | The White House

And even as we uphold these universal values, we do want to make sure that transitions do not degenerate into chaos and violence.

WHITEHOUSE: Presidential Press Conference on the 2012 Budget

Together, we can eradicate the roots of bitter maladies and afflictions, and instead, through the promotion of universal and lasting values such as ethics, spirituality and justice, allow our nations to taste the sweetness of a better future.

NPR: Transcript of Ahmadinejad's U.N. Speech

In reaction to Suez, France had constructed a new identity as the ostensible leader of Europe, upholding a set of universal values in competition with the Americans.

ECONOMIST: The Suez crisis