US Deputy Secretary of State William Burns extended his visit for one day to meet Prime Minister Hazem El-Beblawi and Defence Minister General Abdel Fatah Al-Sisi, in his continued talks to end violence and to start a peaceful and inclusive political process, according to state-owned news agency MENA. The armed forces spokesman issued a statement on his Facebook page, saying that the meeting between El Sisi and Burns was about sharing opinions about the current political situation and its effect on Egypt's democratic transition. They discussed ways of reducing violence, increasing stability and paving the way for national reconciliation with the participation of all factions, within the roadmap set for the transitional phase. The spokesperson said General Sedki Sobhi, chief staff of the armed forces, and US Ambassador Ann Paterson also attended the meeting. Burns met interim president Adly Mansour, Vice-president Mohamed ElBaradei, Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy, Emirati Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdallah Al-Nahyan and members from the Anti-Coup Coalition, during his visit which began on Friday. Freedom and Justice party spokesperson Tarek El-Morsi said Burns' meeting with the Anti-Coup Coalition was a trial effort to reach a solution to the political crisis and to restore legitimacy, represented in Morsi's return, the Shura Council and the 2012 constitution. This is Burns' second visit to Egypt since the ousting of former president Mohamed Morsi, which follows visits by EU High Representative of Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton, German Foreign Minister Guido Westervelle and a continuing visit by a high level African Union delegation.
