Assistant Secretary of State William Burns, the highest US official to visit Egypt following ouster of the country's first democratically elected president Mohammed Morsi, urged Egyptian leaders to engage in dialogue and end violence.
Speaking at a press conference here, he said the US wants Egypt to be strong, democratic and tolerant and to deal with the needs of its people and respect their rights.
Burns earlier held talks with Egypt's interim president and prime minister-designate. He also met members of armed forces, representatives of political parties, NGOs, activists, religious figures and businessmen.
"Only Egyptians can determine their future," he said, underlining that he has not come to Egypt with a US solution or to give lectures.
"The US does not seek to impose a certain model in Egypt but will support certain main principles," he said.
He said that despite concerns over the recent political developments in Egypt, the US believes that the transitional period is a second chance after the January 25 Revolution to create a democratic state that preserves human rights, respect the rule of law and achieve economic prosperity to the people.
Morsi's overthrow after massive nationwide protests demanding his resignation has plunged Egypt into turmoil.
Burns also voiced hope that the interim government could seize the opportunity and stimulate economy and lure foreign investors to funnel their funds into the Egyptian market.
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