Egypt cleared for US military aid

The Obama administration has said it has certified to Congress that Egypt is sustaining the strategic relationship with the US, which makes it eligible for American military aide.

"Today, Secretary Kerry spoke with Egyptian Foreign Minister Fahmy to inform him that he is certifying to Congress that Egypt is sustaining the strategic relationship with the United States - including by countering transnational threats such as terrorism and weapons proliferation - and that Egypt is upholding its obligations under the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty," State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki said.

The certification paves the way for the release of Apache helicopters to Egypt, which the US has held up since July after the Egyptian military overthrew President Mohammed Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood-led government.

Kerry also reaffirmed that Egypt remains, as it has been for decades, an important strategic partner for the US, she said.