Clinton visits Cairo's Liberation Square

CAIRO, March 16 (UPI) -- There's a lot to be done in Egypt as it transitions to a democratic government but Washington is ready to help, said U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Clinton toured Tahrir Square in Cairo as part of the first high-level visit by a U.S. official since the February revolution.

Throngs of pro-democracy supporters occupied the square demanding political freedom. Hosni Mubarak, in power since 1981, resigned as president Feb. 11 amid heightened pressure from the Egyptian people.

Clinton during her visit said democratic reform in Egypt was like drinking water from a fire hose.

"There is so much to be done," she said in a statement. "But the United States stands ready to help in every way possible to translate what happened in (Tahrir) Square into the new reality for Egypt."

Clinton pledged $90 million in emergency economic aid during a meeting Tuesday with Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil al-Araby.

"I came (to Egypt) to listen more than talk," said Clinton during a news conference. "I wanted to hear directly about the needs that Egypt has, particularly economically, because we know that political reform must be matched by economic reform, that there must be jobs and rising incomes and opportunities for all."

Egyptians could vote on a series of constitutional amendments during the weekend that would curtail the power of the president and impose term limits.