White House disappointed about situation in Egypt

PanARMENIAN.Net - The White House says it's concerned and disappointed about the situation in Egypt, where a handful of U.S. citizens who are being prevented from leaving the country have taken shelter at the American embassy in Cairo.

White House press secretary Jay Carney says the administration has made its concerns clear in discussions with Egypt's military authorities. He said U.S. officials are working to resolve the matter as quickly as possible.

The unusual situation comes amid an Egyptian crackdown on U.S.-funded groups promoting democracy that has jeopardized more than $1 billion in U.S. aid to Egypt.

But Carney was careful Monday, Jan 30, to praise Egypt for taking important steps toward transitioning to democracy since the fall of Hosni Mubarak a year ago.