John Kerry says aid freeze is not a withdrawal from relations

imgU.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has said Washington’s suspension of military aid to Egypt was by no means a withdrawal from relations. His remarks came after Egypt’s Army-backed government critized the U.S. decision and insisted that it will not bow to U.S. pressure.

“I think the (Egyptian) interim government understands very well our commitment to the success of this government, which we want to see achieved. And by no means is this a withdrawal from our relationship or severing of our serious commitment to helping the government meet those goals,” Kerry said.

Speaking at a news conference on Thursday in Malaysia, Kerry said the Obama administration remains committed to restoring democracy in Egypt and will stay engaged with its interim leaders.

He said Americans should feel comfortable supporting any foreign government, but that Egypt’s current authorities have not met that standard. He noted that the U.S. will consider resuming aid to Egypt “on the basis of performance” that encourages democracy through elections.

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