The US is suspending a large part of the $1.3bn in aid it gives to Egypt's military. The delivery of large-scale military systems as well as cash assistance to the Egyptian government would be withheld, said the state department.

It said "credible progress" must be made towards free and fair elections. A review was launched in August after a crackdown by the authorities on supporters of ousted President Mohammed Morsi left hundreds of people dead.

Officials said the freeze amounted to hundreds of millions of dollars in aid. Mr Morsi is set to go on trial on 4 November on charges of inciting murder and violence, state media reported on Wednesday.

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