The steps they`ve taken so far are reassuring, but there`s a long way to go, and the United States has made it clear that we stand ready to assist in any way appropriatWashington (ANTARA News/AFP) - US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Monday that Egypt`s military has so far taken "reassuring" steps towards democratic reforms but warned much work remains and offered US help.
"This is a very challenging moment for the Egyptian military," Clinton told reporters during a visit to the US Congress.
"The steps they`ve taken so far are reassuring, but there`s a long way to go, and the United States has made it clear that we stand ready to assist in any way appropriate," she said.
Clinton cited longstanding military-to-military ties between Washington and Cairo, mentioned by experts as a key factor in the Egyptian army`s handling of unprecedented protests that ended former president Hosni Mubarak`s three decades in power.
"I think the Egyptian military demonstrated its very strong commitment to the people of Egypt in its restraint and its support of their right to demonstrate," said the top US diplomat.
"They are now being asked to assume a responsibility that wasn`t in the guidebook for young officers -- how to lead a country through an orderly, peaceful meaningful transition to a democratic future," she said.
"Thus far they`ve demonstrated a seriousness of purpose and a commitment to pursuing the kind of transition that we hope will lead to free/fair elections" and to broad democratic reforms and an inclusive government, said Clinton.
"We`re going to continue working, not just with the military, with civil society with a broad range of representatives from across Egypt`s full breadth and depth," she said.
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Editor: AA Ariwibowo
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