Kerry Calls For Swift Transition In Egypt

By Mike Hothi

On the cusp of parliamentary elections in Egypt, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair John Kerry (D-Mass.) called on the Egyptian military to allow for a “prompt transition” to civilian rule.

“The Egyptian people have summoned grit, determination, and commitment casting their ballots even in the face of turmoil,” said Kerry. “Now the military must make way for a prompt transition to a civilian government with real authority.”

Kerry’s comments come as protestors have occupied Tahrir Square, demanding an immediate end to military rule. Tahrir Square is the same location protestors gathered during the revolt that led to the ouster of longtime ruler Hosni Mubarak earlier this year.

Kerry continued, “I hope that today’s elections mark the beginning of a new political order for Egypt. The work that began in Tahrir Square mustn’t end there.”

U.S. Committed To Security Of Israel, Says Donilon

By Janie Amaya

President Obama’s National Security Advisor Thomas Donilon ensured that the United States is committed to the security of Israel, after the Israeli Embassy in Cairo, Egypt was attacked last Friday.

“We worked very hard during that day and that night with the Egyptians to meet their obligation, which is an obligation of a sovereign country to protect the embassy of another country in your country,” Donilon said during an event held by the Economic Club of Washington, D.C. on Friday.

Donilon said the U.S. worked very closlye with Egyptian leaders that night, saying it was very direct with respect to maintaining national agreements, including those with Israel.

Economic Club President David Rubenstein also pointed to rumors that King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia was upset with the way the U.S. handled the Arab uprising in Egypt.

Donilon said the removal of Egyptian President Mubarak was caused by an indigenous set of events and that the United States took no part in that.