What behind Kerry's Egypt visit before Morsi's trial?

CAIRO -- US Secretary of State John Kerry made a brief tour to Egypt on Sunday, one day ahead of ousted President Mohamed Morsi's trial.

Given its sensitive timing, the trip prompted Egyptian politicians and experts to speculate over the real reasons behind the visit.

Kerry, the highest-level US official to visit Egypt since the ouster of Morsi, met with interim President Adly Mansour, Defense Minister Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy and a group of civic leaders.

During his visit, Kerry confirmed that the United States would continue to support and work with Egypt's interim government.

Meanwhile, he stressed that the US-Egypt partnership will be the strongest when Egypt is represented by an inclusive democratically-elected civilian government based on the rule of law, fundamental freedoms and an open and competitive economy.

Kerry also stressed that the suspension of aid to Egypt is not a punishment but a legal requirement after what had happened on July 3, when Morsi was ousted.

Although Kerry's schedule did not include any meetings with Muslim Brotherhood representatives, some experts here see that the timing of his visit was significant and had something to do with the trial of Morsi.

"Kerry's visit is connected with the trial of Morsi," said Ahmed Abul-Kheir, a former assistant foreign minister.

"I can't rule out that Kerry came for finding an exit for Morsi and his group," Abul-Kheir told Xinhua, saying the United States has been "in favor of the group" since Morsi's ouster.

"Today Kerry came to show Egypt what will be the price the US is ready to pay for saving Morsi and his group," he said.

Abul-Kheir did not rule out the possibility that Morsi's trial might carry a lot of secrets that would have negative effect on the image of Washington should they be made public.