Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is following developments Egypt has witnessed over the past couple of days with anxiety, said Israeli newspaper Haartez. The newspaper also said there is contact between the U.S. Department of State, the Israeli embassy in Egypt and Egyptian officials. Haartez quoted an American diplomat as saying, "We're following developments in Egypt," demanding the Egyptian authorities to respond to the demands raised by the Egyptian people, who strive to achieve democracy. He called on the different parties to restrain themselves and resume the peaceful transfer to democracy, expressing support for Egyptians' right to gain a civil, democratic and elected government. The American official refused to comment on the military rulers' failure in managing the transitional period or the demands for Field Marshal Tantawi's departure. Spokeswoman for U.S. Department of State Victoria Nuland expressed anxiety at the situation in Egypt, adding that the U.S. is focused on helping Egyptians conduct free and fair elections on November 28. Regarding fears of delayed elections, she said the Egyptian people can express themselves through the ballots peacefully. She added that parliamentary elections form an important step in drawing up the constitution and achieving democracy.
