US supports Egypt’s war against Islamic insurgents: Rex Tillerson

Cairo, February 13: US State Secretary Rex Tillerson on the first day of his week-long Middle East visit affirmed support for Egypt’s war against terrorism. But he also reminded the need for free and transparent presidential elections which will be held in next month.

“The Egyptian people should be confident that the U.S. commitment to continue to support Egypt in fight against terrorism and bringing security to Egyptian people is steadfast,” Tillerson said. “We agreed we would continue our close cooperation on counterterrorism measures.”

Egypt’s political scenario is also important now it will hold the Presidential election next month. “The United States, as it does in all countries, supports a transparent and credible electoral process and all citizens being given the right and the opportunity to participate freely and fairly,” Tillerson commented while he was questioned on the issue.

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi took charge in 2014 a year after he led the ouster of his Islamist predecessor Mohammed Morsi in July 2013 in response to mass protests against Morsi's one-year rule and his now-outlawed Muslim Brotherhood group. Sisi brought stability to Egypt on a certain level but it is highly alleged that under Sis’s rule human right conditions have badly deteriorated in the country.