William Hague: Mideast turmoil might last decades

It will take "years or maybe decades" for the turmoil in the Middle East to "play itself out," UK Foreign Secretary William Hague told BBC News Monday. Hague said the situation in Egypt was "very bleak" and there was only a limited amount Western powers like Britain could do to help resolve it. "We have to do our best to support democratic institutions" without taking sides, he added. He is to meet fellow EU foreign ministers later to discuss Egypt. Hague said the UK government had reacted effectively to the situation in Egypt. "What we've done in Britain so far is that we have suspended projects with the Egyptian security forces. We have revoked a number of export licences, and I think then among the European countries we should review together how we try to aid Egypt, what aid and assistance we give to Egypt in the future. "So we have to respond seriously to this without excluding future assistance, nor removing all influence of the situation - foreign policy is often about striking the right balance." He said it was "hard to overstate the levels of hatred and mistrust between the various sides of politics in Egypt" but he did not accept that "there is nothing at all we can do about it." "Our influence may be limited. It is a proudly independent country and there may be years of turbulence in Egypt and other countries going through this profound debate about the nature of democracy and the role of religion in their society." Hague said what is happening now in the Middle East was "the most important event so far of the 21st century, even compared to the financial crisis we have been through and its impact on world affairs."