Tel Aviv (ANTARA News/Reuters) - The United States`s top military officer voiced admiration on Monday for the way Egypt`s army had peacefully handled the shift of power in the country.

"I think they have handled this situation exceptionally well ... it`s been done peacefully, and we have every expectation that that will continue," Admiral Mike Mullen told Reuters during a visit to Israel.

"There are many challenges which are out there in the future... We`ve been so impressed that they have supported their people."

Egypt`s generals, who made no attempt to crush the popular revolt that toppled President Hosni Mubarak on Friday, are asserting their control following his overthrow.

"We`ve got a very strong relationship with the Egyptian military ... and we continue to stay in very close touch with our counterparts in the Egyptian military," Mullen said.

Egypt`s armed forces receive about $1.3 billion annually in U.S. aid.

Mullen was a guest at ceremonies on Monday to mark the appointment of a new Israeli military chief, Lieutenant-General Benny Gantz.(*)

Editor: Ruslan Burhani
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