World Bank Chief Hopes to Maintain Egypt Aid Program
World Bank chief Jim Yong Kim said Thursday he hopes Egypt's loan and assistance program will continue despite the ouster of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi, but called for progress toward new elections "as quickly as possible."
"We are in the middle right now of trying to understand just what did happen and what the legal status is of the government in place," Kim said at a press conference at Chile's government palace, after he met with President Sebastian Pinera.
The World Bank has offered loans and grants, mainly for aid programs, to the tune of $4.7 billion, Kim said.
"We really urge to everyone to stay calm, to have a dialogue, and to move as quickly as possible to having real elections.
"Our hope is we will be able to continue with our programs that provide essential services and essential support for some of the poorest people in Egypt."
The Egyptian army toppled Morsi -- who remains in custody -- on Wednesday, after a week of deadly violence amid massive street protests. Top judge Adly Mansour was sworn in on Thursday as temporary president.
Source: Agence France Presse
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