US Secretary of State John Kerry John Kerry made his comments during an interview with Pakistan television

Correspondents say Mr Kerry’s latest comments will be seen in Egypt as supportive of the interim government.

In an television interview in Pakistan, Mr Kerry said: “The military was asked to intervene by millions and millions of people, all of whom were afraid of a descendance into chaos, into violence.

“And the military did not take over, to the best of our judgement – so far. To run the country, there’s a civilian government. In effect, they were restoring democracy.”

Mr Kerry also warned against further bloodshed, according to AFP news agency.