Kerry expects decision soon on unfreezing millions in US military aid to Egyptian government
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry speaks at a news conference in Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt Saturday, March 14, 2015, after attending the Egypt Economic Development Conference the previous day. Kerry says he hopes Israel elects a government that can address the country’s domestic needs and also "meets the hope for peace." (AP Photo/Brian Snyder, Pool) (The Associated Press)
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says the U.S. will make a decision "very soon" on how to unfreeze hundreds of millions of dollars in suspended American military assistance to Egypt.
Egypt has been trying to get F-16s fighter jets, tanks and other materiel to combat the extremist threat spilling over from Libya and in the Sinai Peninsula.
The Obama administration considers the money critical for Mideast stability.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}But the U.S. must decide whether to certify Egyptian progress on human rights, democracy and the rule of law, or issue a declaration that such aid is in the interests of U.S. national security.
The aid was suspended after the military's 2013 takeover of the government.
Kerry spoke at a news conference Saturday in Egypt.