Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — The U.S. military remains encouraged by its
relationship with Egypt.

U.S. Central Command has determined that Egypt’s military remained a
professional force amid nationwide unrest against the new Islamist regime of
President Mohammed Morsi. Centcom said the Egyptian military, which receives
$1.3 billion in annual U.S. aid, retained support of the people.

“First and foremost, the military sees itself as the upholder of Egypt’s
sovereignty and national security,” outgoing Centcom chief Gen. James Mattis said. “It has maintained its professionalism and validated our longstanding investment in strong military ties, sustaining the trust of the Egyptian people through a most tumultuous period.”

In testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee on March 5, Mattis
said Centcom would remain “actively engaged” with Egypt’s military
leadership. He said Egypt would be important in maintaining U.S. influence amid a smaller military footprint.

Centcom said Cairo was allowing U.S. Navy ships to cross the Suez Canal
as well as aircraft to fly through Egyptian air space. Mattis also cited
Egyptian efforts to restrain the Hamas regime in the Gaza Strip as well as
improve security in the Sinai Peninsula.

In Sinai, Mattis, who on March 22 was replaced by Gen. Lloyd Austin,
said, Egypt was using U.S.-supplied detection equipment to counter smuggling
activities as well as improve security for the U.S.-led Multinational Force
and Observers. But the general acknowledged that the Sinai and surrounding
area were not stable.

“Our military assistance plays a major role in protecting our interests
and is crucial to the modernization and interoperability of the Egyptian
Armed Forces and U.S. Centcom endorses its continued support without
conditionality,” Mattis said.

  Centcom chief salutes Egyptian military’s professionalism in ‘tumultuous period’, Gen. James Mattis, Gen. Lloyd Austin, Mohammed Morsi, Senate Armed Services Committee, U.S. Central Command