Global General

Egypt to respect international treaties - army

(Agencies)
Updated: 2011-02-12 22:21

CAIRO - Egypt's new military rulers said on Saturday the existing cabinet would stay until a new one was formed and the country would respect international treaties, a statement that will reassure Israel and the United States.

"The current government and governors undertake to manage affairs until the formation of a new government," a senior army officer said in a statement delivered on state television, a day after President Hosni Mubarak stepped down.

"The Arab Republic of Egypt is committed to all regional and international obligations and treaties," he said.

Egypt's treaties include a 1979 peace accord with US ally Israel, which has been watching developments in Egypt with concern.

The army also announced that it would "look to guarantee the peaceful transition of power in the framework of a free, democratic system which allows an elected, civilian power to govern the country to build a democratic, free state".