US State Department stresses importance of listening to Egyptian people

The US is committed to the democratic process in Egypt and does not support any single party or group, US Secretary of State John Kerry told the foreign minister on Tuesday. According to the State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki, in a conversation with Mohamed Kamel Amr addressing the current political situation, Kerry asserted “democracy is about more than just elections…it’s also about ensuring the voices of all Egyptians are heard.” He added that the goal is “a peaceful, stable and prosperous Egypt.” The state department spokesperson stressed the US is “not taking sides in this case and that it’s not up to us… to make choices here.” Psaki also expressed concern over “incidents of violence against women, against really any citizen.” She added that the US is in “close contact with counterparts at all levels.” Psaki also responded to a question regarding aid to Egypt and if a military coup would affect the status of US aid to Egypt. She said that this issue is one that the State Department works on with the US congress. She added that this is “hypothetical at this point.” Kerry’s conversation with Amr reflected the message President Barak Obama conveyed to President Mohamed Morsi in a telephone conversation on Monday. Psaki said that the US is aware that Amr has submitted his resignation adding: “he is the appropriate counterpart.” Prime Minister Hesham Qandil is yet to decide if he will accept Amr’s resignation and those of four other ministers. UK Prime Minster David Cameron said on Wednesday morning: “the scenes in Egypt are deeply disturbing. We support proper democratic processes and government by consent.” Cameron’s comments came during weekly prime minister’s questions in the UK parliament. German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said in a statement released on Tuesday that he has followed recent events in Egypt “with deep concern” and that “these are decisive days for a political shift.” He called on political groups and forces to engage in dialogue and to “to find solutions based on the principles of democracy.” He also warned both sides of the crisis “not to use the threat of violence as a means of political debate.”