Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said Tuesday that Egypt's new president and its military chief have reassured him they will steer the country to full democracy. "It's clear that Egypt, following the revolution, is committed to putting into place a democratic government," Panetta told reporters after meetings in Cairo with President Mohammed Morsi and Field Marshal Mohammed Hussein Tantawi. It was Panetta's first encounter with Morsi, the Muslim Brotherhood candidate who assumed the presidency in June. Panetta said it was clear to him that Morsi is "his own man." But Panetta also offered praise to Tantawi, the country's military leader. "Tantawi 's leadership, I believe, has been critical in overseeing a peaceful free and fair elections," Panetta said, noting he was pleased with Tantawi's stated commitment to full civilian rule. Panetta said both Egyptian leaders told him they will continue their country's cooperation with the United States in fighting the al-Qaida terrorist network. The defense chief arrived in Cairo Tuesday seeking assurance that the country will remain a military partner at a time of political tumult in the Middle East and growing worry about Iran's nuclear ambitions.
