U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton warned the new government in Egypt Tuesday to respect women's rights and adhere to democratic rule.

In Egypt's recent parliamentary elections, well-known candidates from several Islamist parties, primarily the Muslim Brotherhood, won a majority of the votes.

Clinton is calling on the new leaders to move forward, not backward. She says gains made by Islamist parties should lead to a push for more democracy.

"Transitions require fair and inclusive elections, but they also demand the embrace of democratic norms and rules," she said.

"We expect all democratic actors to uphold universal human rights, including women's rights, to allow free religious practice," Clinton added.