Official: US not backing a side in Egypt crisis

Associated Press

CAIRO

The most senior U.S. official to visit Egypt since its elected president was ousted said Monday that Washington is committed to helping the Arab country succeed in its “second chance” at democracy, adding this can happen only with the participation of the Muslim Brotherhood.

Deputy Secretary of State William Burns’ meetings with Egypt’s interim leaders came as thousands of supporters of deposed President Mohammed Morsi had another mass rally to demand his return to office. The protest turned violent as police fired tear gas at pro-Morsi protesters who burned tires, threw rocks and blocked traffic flow on a main roadway running through the heart of the capital.

The remarks by Burns, the No. 2 American diplomat, signaled that Washington, while calling for an inclusive transition, is moving on from Morsi and his Brotherhood group.

Burns insisted that the United States is not taking sides in deeply polarized Egypt, saying it is not Washington’s policy, “as outsiders, to support particular political personalities and particular parties.”

“What we’re going to continue to try to do is to support an open inclusive, tolerant democratic process,” Burns said. “We hope it will be a chance to learn some of the lessons and correct some of the mistakes of the last two years.”

Burns’ comments were being carefully watched in Cairo, where a cross- spectrum of groups have accused Washington of meddling in the country’s affairs.