Egypt promises full democracy: Panetta

1 Aug 2012, 7:31 am   -   Source: AAP
Egypt's leaders assured US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta they will steer the country to democracy. (AAP)

Egypt's leaders assured US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta they will steer the country to democracy. (AAP)

Egypt's president and military chief are committed to steering the country to full democracy, the visiting US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta says.

US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta says Egypt's new president and its military chief have reassured him they will steer the country to full democracy.

"It's clear that Egypt, following the revolution, is committed to putting into place a democratic government," Panetta told reporters after meetings in Cairo with President Mohamed Morsi and Field Marshal Mohammed Hussein Tantawi.

It was Panetta's first encounter with Morsi, who assumed the presidency in June.

Panetta said it was clear to him that Morsi is "his own man".

But Panetta also offered praise to Tantawi, the country's military leader.

"Tantawi 's leadership, I believe, has been critical in overseeing a peaceful free and fair elections," Panetta said, noting he was pleased with Tantawi's stated commitment to full civilian rule.

Panetta said both Egyptian leaders told him they will continue their country's cooperation with the United States in fighting the al-Qaeda terrorist network.

The defence chief arrived in Cairo on Tuesday seeking assurance that the country will remain a military partner at a time of political tumult in the Middle East and growing worry about Iran's nuclear ambitions.

After his Cairo meetings Panetta was headed to Israel for talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Shimon Peres and Defence Minister Ehud Barak.

A potential Israeli military attack on Iran's nuclear sites was expected to be a major topic, but Panetta also planned to discuss with the Israelis the progress they are making on building an air defence system, known as the Iron Dome, which is designed to shoot down short-range rockets and artillery shells.

Asked about news reports in Israel that Panetta plans to share American plans for potential war with Iran when he meets with Israeli leaders on Wednesday in Jerusalem, Panetta said that is a "wrong characterisation" of what he will talk about.

He said his talks in Jerusalem will be "more about what is the threat we are confronting" in Iran's nuclear program and sharing intelligence information.

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