(Cairo) – The United States supports the full establishment of democratic rule in Egypt and the return of its military to an exclusively national security role, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said. Making her first visit to Egypt since the inauguration of President Mohammad Mursi two weeks ago, Clinton stressed, however, it was entirely up to Egyptians to decide to do this and she emphasised democracy requires dialogue and compromise.
Clinton met Mursi in the highest level meeting yet between a US official and a Muslim Brotherhood politician whose first days in office have been marred by a power struggle with Egypt’s still influential army leadership.
She reiterated Washington’s support for a country that was a cornerstone of US policy during Hosni Mubarak’s three decades in power but is now led by a man from a group outlawed during his rule.
