Both the State Department and the Pentagon have issued statements criticizing the Egyptian military for apparently clinging to power following the weekend’s presidential elections. Pentagon spokesman George Little said the United States expects Egypt’s Supreme Council of Armed Forces to hand over “full power” to the new civilian leaders, and that the SCAF “is fully aware” of US concerns. Victoria Nuland, spokeswoman for the State Department, added, “This is a critical moment in Egypt and the world is watching closely. We are particularly concerned about decisions that appear to prolong the military’s hold on power.”
The comments come one day after the SCAF implemented de facto martial law, allowing themselves control of the legislature and state budget and giving generals veto power over the construction of a new constitution.
