US urges Egypt military to support inclusive political process

Expressing concern over the recent violence in Egypt, US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel today appealed to his Egyptian counterpart Gen Abdul Fatah al-Sisi to support an inclusive political process in the deeply polarised country.
Hagel expressed "concern" about the recent violence in Egypt and urged General al-Sisi, who is also Egypt's Defence Minister, to support an inclusive political process, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said.
"Gen al-Sisi assured Secretary Hagel that Egyptian authorities were working toward a process of political reconciliation and that he looked forward to meeting with Deputy Secretary of State William Burns while he is in Cairo," Little said.

"Gen al-Sisi affirmed to Hagel that Egypt's leadership remains committed to the political roadmap leading to elections and the formation of a constitution in Egypt," he said after the phone call between the two leaders.
Hagel's phone call came as Deputy Secretary of State William Burns started his trip in Egypt at the direction of Secretary of State John Kerry to discuss with Egyptian leaders the importance of avoiding violence and helping to facilitate a peaceful and inclusive political process.
"The US looks forward to seeing a peaceful transition to a democratically-elected civilian government that protects the rights of all Egyptians. Burns will be joining officials from the EU and others in the region, who share our goal for a successful transition in Egypt," a State Department statement said.