Kerry: Cut In Egypt Aid Is Not US Withdrawal

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Secretary of State John Kerry says the decision by the U.S. to slash aid to Egypt will not have much impact in the country.

Kerry says the Obama administration remains committed to restoring democracy in Egypt and will stay engaged with its interim leaders.

Kerry spoke at a news conference Thursday in Malaysia. The State Department said Wednesday it would freeze hundreds of millions of dollars in aid for Egypt, most of it in military assistance.

Kerry says that "by no means" was the decision a withdrawal from relations. He says it should not be seen as severing Washington's commitment to help.

He says Americans should feel comfortable supporting any foreign government, but that Egypt's current authorities have not met that standard.

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