Top U.S. diplomat travels to Egypt amid unrestJuly 15, 2013 - 09:27 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A top U.S. diplomat flew to Egypt on Sunday, July 14 to urge its interim government, military and politicians to move toward an elected civilian government after the army coup that ousted President Mohamed Morsi, Reuters said. Deputy Secretary of State William Burns intends to hold talks with those groups as well as civil society and the business community, the State Department said without clarifying whether he would meet Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood supporters. "The goal of his trip is to engage with and hear directly from interim Egyptian officials and civil society as part of our ongoing efforts to see Egypt transition to an inclusive, pluralistic, democratically elected civilian government," said State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki. The Egyptian military ousted Morsi on July 3 arguing that they had a popular mandate following demonstrations by millions of Egyptians who have protested against political upheaval and economic stagnation under Brotherhood rule. While seeking to appear neutral, the United States has carefully avoided criticizing the military's actions, has not called for Morsi's reinstatement and has criticized his rule as undemocratic. Psaki said Burns would stress U.S. "support for an inclusive democratic process where all political streams and sectors of society are represented, the need to transition to a democratically elected government as soon as possible, and the immediate need for all political leaders to work to prevent violence and incitement." Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Ameriabank's Trade Finance portfolio enriched with four prestigious awards from EBRD and IFC Ameriabank received the awards from international financial institutions in recognition of its trade finance operations. Armenian Economy Minister to make trip to UAE May 20-22 A delegation led by Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan will travel to the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi on May 20-22 Armenia Security Council chief traveling to Qatar Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan will travel on a working visit to Qatar. Pillars installed in Armenian border village of Kirants In the Armenian village of Kirants, three border markers have been installed, and border guards stand next to them. |