US lauds Egypt's first steps toward democracy (AP)

WASHINGTON ? The White House is congratulating Egypt on achieving "several historic milestones" in its transition to democracy.

The White House issued the statement ahead of Wednesday's first anniversary of the popular uprising that toppled longtime Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak. The White House says that while Egypt still faces many challenges, the country is taking important steps toward fulfilling the promise of its revolution.

Egypt's first democratically elected parliament in 60 years held its first meeting this week. Egypt's military ruler also lifted a state of emergency Tuesday that has lasted for decades.

Protesters are expected to mark this week's anniversary by taking to the streets to call on the military council now leading Egypt to immediately step down. The White House urged Egyptians to commemorate the anniversary peacefully.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/africa/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20120124/ap_on_re_us/us_us_egypt

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