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Egypt to US: Era of 'Yes, Sir' Has Ended

Egyptian diplomat Amr Moussa tells Al-Monitor's Cale Salih in an exclusive interview that although strong US-Egypt relations are in the best interests of his country, he hopes Egypt will find itself in a position to say no to the US when necessary. Moussa also defended President Morsi, his one-time foe, praising his achievements in office.
Egyptian presidential candidate Amr Moussa speaks during a news conference in his campaign headquarters in Cairo, May 28, 2012. Former Arab League chief Moussa said he was open to consultation with other parties to ensure that Egypt remains a civilian democracy, and that the revolution gains are not undermined. REUTERS/Asmaa Waguih (EGYPT - Tags: POLITICS ELECTIONS)

In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, veteran Egyptian diplomat Amr Moussa said that although strong US-Egypt relations are in the best interests of his country, "the era of 'yes sir' has to come to an end."

Moussa also defended the stand of Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi, his one-time foe, saying "Egypt is in a state of revolution, so how can a new republic based on revolutionary process just ignore the situation in Syria or look the other way?"

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