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New Egypt has to be a model of democracy: Clinton

Last updated on: March 16, 2011 02:46 IST

United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Tuesday arrived in Cairo to engage with the new Egyptian leadership on hosts of issues including Egypt's transition to democracy and bilateral ties.

Clinton became the highest US official to visit since Hosni Mubarak was toppled. She will hold talks with the Supreme Armed Forces Council and high-level officials in the Egyptian government on the democratic developments Egypt is currently witnessing, strategic relations as well as an increase of additional aid to Egypt.

Clinton said the new Egypt has to be a model of democracy in the region.

The schedule includes a visit to Al-Tahrir square and a meeting with representatives of 25 Revolution youths, including a Muslim Brotherhood member. However, the Al-Misriyun website said coalition of the revolution rejected the invitation to meet with Clinton because of the US's negative stance against the revolution at its beginning.

While announcing her trip to Egypt, Clinton last week had said the US "wishes to be a partner in the important work that lies ahead" as Egypt and Tunisia move towards genuine democracy.

"We have an enormous stake in ensuring that Egypt and Tunisia provide models for the kind of democracy that we want to see," Clinton told US lawmakers.