LOC23:31
20:31 GMT
CAIRO, June 26 (KUNA) -- Visiting US Senators John McCain and John Kerry on
Sunday said the US should offer Egypt all legal, technical and economic help
in this critical time to help her democratic transformation process prove
success.
McCain and Kerry held talks with Field Marshal Mohammad Hussein Tantawi,
Head of the Supreme Council of Armed forces, which rules Egypt since the
ouster of former president Hosni Mubarak by popular uprising February 11, on
number of important issues related to democratic transformation in Egypt.
In a joint press conference here, McCain said they have explained to
Tantawi the American point of view regarding the presence of international
observers during the upcoming elections and expressed readiness to help
non-government organizations monitoring elections and organizing political
parties.
McCain said the US is ready to provide Egypt with financial, legal and US
military support.
He described the talks as frank adding that the Tantawi has confirmed the
SCAF commitment to handing power to an elected civilian government.
Field Marshal Tantawi has also promised to consider the issue of allowing
international observers during parliamentary and presidential elections,
McCain said.
McCain pointed out that the US administration can provide assistance and
support in different ways but the most important is the cooperation of
American companies to find opportunities and create jobs, new jobs in Egypt.
He asserted that the American people hope success for the Egyptian
revolution.
McCain made it clear that the US does not want impose anything on Egypt,
but "the American people want a safer world."
"The (Arab spring) came because of the absence of democracy and freedom,
but most importantly the absence of good economic opportunities for Egyptians
to have a family and provide for it," he said, stressing that the success or
failure of the revolution would affect investment and employment opportunities
in Egypt.
With regard to the situation in Yemen and Syria, McCain said that the
situation in Yemen is very difficult even after the departure of President Ali
Abdullah Saleh to the Saudi Arabia for treatment.
"The United States is doing its best to end the conflict there," he said.
McCain called for the imposition of sanctions on Syria, expressing his
country's readiness to work with the Turks to offer aid for the Syrian fleeing
violence in their country.
"But this does not mean that US military intervention," he stated.
For his part, Senator Kerry described the visits of representatives to the
US Democratic and Republican parties to Egypt currently as clear evidence that
Egypt is important to all US politics.
"Our visit is aimed to help achieve the aspirations of the Egyptian people
who have a history of excellence in their struggle to create a civil society
and protecting their rights and dignity," Kerry added.
"Egyptian people to decide their future without the intervention of any
other country. We are not here to dictate anything on anyone, but to hear and
offer help."
Kerry expressed the hope that the United States can contribute to improving
the economic situation of the Arab's most populous and powerful state.
He voiced willingness to work with the US administration and the countries
of the region and allies to help provide better ways for success to the
Egyptian revolution.
Kerry pointed out that President Barack Obama and members of Congress
believe that the totalitarian rulers can't suppress the aspirations of their
peoples and that Egypt will have a great rule in supporting democracy in other
Arab countries. (end)
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