Senior US diplomat meets with Egypt's new interim leaders

CAIRO – A senior U.S. diplomat has held talks with Egypt's interim president and prime minister-designate in the highest level visit by an American official since the Egyptian military ousted the country's first democratically leader.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State William Burns Burns' meetings Monday in Cairo come nearly two weeks after Islamist President Mohammed Morsi was overthrown by the army following days of mass protests.

Washington has been sharply criticized by both Morsi's supporters and opponents for what each side perceives as support for their rival's position.

The State Department said Burns would stress in his two-day visit American support for Egypt's people and an inclusive democratic process in which all political groups can participate.

A Muslim Brotherhood official said the group does not currently have a meeting scheduled with Burns.