AP source: Egypt cleared for some US military aid

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration has certified that Egypt is upholding its 35-year-old peace treaty with Israel and therefore qualifies for some military and counterterrorism assistance, The Associated Press has learned.

A legislative aide said Secretary of State John Kerry sent the certification to Congress on Tuesday. Kerry also informed Egypt's foreign minister in a telephone call. Kerry was to meet Egypt's intelligence chief in Washington on Wednesday.

The aide said the decision clears the way for the release of Apache helicopters to Egypt, which the United States has held up since July when the Egyptian military overthrew President Mohammed Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood-led government.

The aide wasn't authorized to speak publicly about the decision and demanded anonymity.

The notification deals specifically with Egypt's adherence to the Camp David Accords and not its progression toward democratic rule.

Beyond the Apaches, the move allows the U.S. also to release some of its annual $1.3 billion military assistance package to Egypt, specifically those parts dealing with security in the Sinai Peninsula and counterterrorism efforts.

Kerry has yet to send a full certification for the resumption of Egypt aid, which would signal U.S. approval for Egypt's path toward a return to democracy.

Once Kerry issues that certification, the U.S. can resume other military and civilian assistance programs.