U.S. President Barack Obama has said the time has come for decisive action on Egypt's army-led crackdown on Islamist protesters and politicians condemning the ouster of former president Mohamed Morsy, which left hundreds dead over the past week and several Islamist politicians detained.
In an exclusive interview with CNN, scheduled to be aired on Friday, Obama said his country will remain an indispensable player in Middle East politics, saying that the United States should take actions that serve its interests on the long run.
“Yes," Obama replied briefly when asked whether the US is facing limited time to take significant decisions concerning the situation in Egypt.
Commenting on pressures within the Congress to cut off US annual military and economic aid to Egypt, the president the majority of Americans believe the US should not be careful not to appear as assistant and partners in events that are at odds with his country’s values.
Obama revealed that his administration is conducting a full review of U.S. relations with Egypt, but added he has no doubt that both countries can work together in the future.
Obama said the Egyptian army failed to respond to diplomatic efforts encouraging it to move towards reconciliation.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
