McCain refers to Egyptian government change as 'coup'

CAIRO, Aug. 6 (UPI) -- Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., while in Cairo Tuesday, referred to the military ouster of former Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi as "a coup."

The White House has avoided using that term to describe Morsi's removal, CNN noted, adding McCain and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., were in Egypt to press for the government's quick return to civilian rule.

"We have said we share the democratic aspirations and criticism of the Morsi government that led millions of Egyptians into the streets. We've also said the circumstances of [Morsi's] removal was a coup," McCain told reporters.

Graham expressed optimism for Egypt's future, and said U.S. aid to the country is among the best investments in the world.

McCain and Graham will meet with Egyptian government officials during their trip, and will meet separately with Muslim Brotherhood representatives separately, CNN said.