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News, Politics, Government

American diplomat: US not backing a side in Egypt

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A senior U.S. diplomat has dismissed accusations Washington backs any one side in Egypt, saying the administration supports a balanced and inclusive democratic process.

Deputy Secretary of State William Burns is making highest level visit to Egypt by an American official since Islamist President Mohammed Morsi was overthrown by the military on July 3 following days of mass protests.

Burns held talks Monday with Egypt’s interim leaders and the head of the military.

Washington has been sharply criticized by both Morsi’s supporters and opponents for what each side perceives as support for their rival’s position.

Burns told reporters Washington backs those siding with the aspirations of Egyptians who went out during the 2011 uprising against longtime autocratic leader Hosni Mubarak.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

A senior U.S. diplomat held talks Monday with Egypt’s interim leaders as well as the head of the military in the highest level visit by an American official since the Egyptian army ousted the country’s first democratically elected leader.

The two-day visit by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State William Burns to Cairo comes nearly two weeks after Islamist President Mohammed Morsi was overthrown by the military following days of mass protests. Washington has been sharply criticized by both Morsi’s supporters and opponents for what each side perceives as support for their rival’s position.

Burns met with the military-backed administration led by interim President Adly Manour and Prime Minister-designate Hazem el-Beblawi, as well as army chief and Defense Minister Gen. Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi.

There was no immediate word on the discussions with the interim civilian leaders. But the military said in a statement posted on the army spokesman’s Facebook page that Burns and el-Sissi discussed “the recent political developments in Egypt … and ways to reinforce cooperation” between the two countries.

Burns, the No. 2 American diplomat, is also expected to meet with civil society groups and business leaders during his trip.

Ahead of the visit, the State Department said Burns would stress in his talks in Cairo U.S. support for the Egyptian people and an inclusive democratic process in which all …read more

Source: FULL ARTICLE at Fox World News

News, Politics, Government

Senior US diplomat meets with Egyptian interim leaders in Cairo

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A senior U.S. diplomat held talks Monday with Egypt’s interim leaders as well as the head of the military in the highest level visit by an American official since the Egyptian army ousted the country’s first democratically elected leader.

The two-day visit by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State William Burns to Cairo comes nearly two weeks after Islamist President Mohammed Morsi was overthrown by the military following days of mass protests. Washington has been sharply criticized by both Morsi’s supporters and opponents for what each side perceives as support for their rival’s position.

Burns met with the military-backed administration led by interim President Adly Manour and Prime Minister-designate Hazem el-Beblawi, as well as army chief and Defense Minister Gen. Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi.

There was no immediate word on the discussions with the interim civilian leaders. But the military said in a statement posted on the army spokesman’s Facebook page that Burns and el-Sissi discussed “the recent political developments in Egypt … and ways to reinforce cooperation” between the two countries.

Burns, the No. 2 American diplomat, is also expected to meet with civil society groups and business leaders during his trip.

Ahead of the visit, the State Department said Burns would stress in his talks in Cairo U.S. support for the Egyptian people and an inclusive democratic process in which all political groups can participate.

A Muslim Brotherhood official said the group does not currently have a meeting scheduled with Burns.

…read more

Source: FULL ARTICLE at Fox World News

News, Politics, Government

Red Cross to resume visits to Myanmar detainees

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The International Committee of the Red Cross said Thursday it will resume visits to detainees in Myanmar’s prisons next week after a hiatus of more than seven years, the latest sign of reform in the once-pariah nation.

Peter Maurer, who heads the Geneva-based organization, announced the change after meeting Myanmar President Thein Sein and other top officials in the Southeast Asian nation this week.

Restrictions imposed by Myanmar’s former junta had prevented ICRC staff from visiting inmates since December 2005. The junta ceded power to an elected government in 2011 that has made democratic reforms since then.

The ICRC oversees the Geneva Conventions for the conduct of war and is mandated by the international community to visit detainees in conflict zones. The organization also visits people detained in other situations of violence, and is sometimes the only link between families and prisoners.

Prior to suspending its work in Myanmar, the group regularly met prisoners at dozens of jails and labor camps nationwide. They checked on inmates’ health and treatment and provided them with soaps and medicines.

Maurer praised the government‘s move to allow unfettered prison access again, welcoming the “positive attitude” of those who made it happen.

“We want to see all prisoners indiscriminately and we want to be able to return to prison,” he told reporters, adding that he expected that to happen next week.

Maurer’s trip was the first of any ICRC president, and during the visit he also met Home Affairs Minister Lt. Gen. Ko Ko, Defense Minister Gen. Wai Lwin and opposition lawmaker Aung San Suu Kyi.

Mauer was due to make a brief trip Thursday to western Rakhine state, which has been torn since last June by ethnic and sectarian violence that has driven more than 100,000 people from their homes. Clashes have pitted the Buddhist Rakhine against a largely stateless Muslim minority known as the Rohingya, who comprise the majority of the displaced.

Source: FULL ARTICLE at Fox World News