Clinton, Egyptian PM discuss situation in Egypt

WASHINGTON - US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Egypt's new Prime Minister Kamal el-Ganzouri had discussed the situation in Egypt, a State Department spokesperson said on Wednesday.

State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland told reporters that Clinton had "a very good call" with Ganzouri Tuesday afternoon.

"They had a very good conversation about the path that Egypt is on and the transition under way," said Nuland.

"She (Clinton), of course, reiterated our points about wanting to see a genuine inclusive democratic process, free elections, emphasizing the historic importance of the election process under way," she added.

Nuland said Clinton also expressed her grave concern regarding the attack on an Egyptian woman by the security forces, of which the video has been widely broadcast on the television and internet.

During a speech earlier this week, Clinton fiercely criticized such act as a "dishonor" to the revolution and a "disgrace" to Egypt.

For his part, Ganzouri reiterated that the Egyptian government wants to see the protests be peaceful and that it is working with its security forces, according to Nuland.

"They also talked about how the United States can continue to support the economic development of the country going forward," she added.