Gibbs: Important US-Egypt Relationship Will Remain

WASHINGTON (AP) - The White House says that whatever government emerges in Egypt, the U.S. expects its relationship with its key Arab ally to continue to provide regional stability.

Press secretary Robert Gibbs was asked Friday whether the U.S. relationship with Egypt would ever be the same after the ferocious protests aimed at toppling autocratic President Hosni Mubarak (HAHS'-nee moo-BAH'-rahk). Mubarak's 30-year reign has provided regional stability and Israeli security even as he repressed his people. The next government could be less friendly to the U.S.

But Gibbs said the U.S. expects that whatever government comes next will continue to provide a "cornerstone for safety and security and regional stability in the Middle East."