US to meet Egyptian Islamists
They are said to be taking up an offer of dialogue seen as an implicit recognition by Washington that the group will may soon hold significant political power.
US secretary of state Hillary Clinton said that the Obama administration is reaching out to the Muslim Brotherhood in a "limited" effort to build ties and promote democratic principles. The Brotherhood was banned for decades and suppressed by Mr Mubarak's regime, which was closely allied to the US. Since it is the country's most organised political force, it is expected to make a strong showing and may be in the next government.
"We welcome dialogue with America to remove any misunderstandings and bridge gaps," Brotherhood spokesman Mohammed Ghozlan said in response to Mrs Clinton's comments.