Hagel discusses referendum with al-Sisi

U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel called Egypt's Minister of Defense General Abdul Fattah Al-Sisi to provide" an update on his recent visit to the Middle East and to discuss the US-Egyptian relationship, the Pentagon said. The Pentagon said in a statement, late on Thursday, that Hagel assured Al-Sisi that the U.S. "is committed to the U.S.-Egypt defense relationship and wants to continue working with Egypt to support a stable inclusive political transition." Hagel told Al-Sisi that "on his visit to the Gulf region, he encouraged regional partners to continue playing a role in improving Egypt's economy and to play a constructive role in supporting Egypt's transition." Hagel noted that the U.S. "looks forward to Egypt's constitutional referendum in mid-January." They discussed "the importance of a transparent process, in which the freedom of expression is protected for all citizens during the campaign period, regardless of whether they support or oppose the constitution." Hagel also expressed "concern over the recent charges involving former Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood, as well as the recent violence against a non-governmental organization." "The Secretary noted that civil society organizations play a vital role in any democracy and that incidences such as these can undermine confidence in the interim government's commitment to a non-violent, inclusive and sustainable democratic transition," the statement stressed.