Egypt assures US no more raids on democracy groups.

WASHINGTON - Egyptian officials have assured the United States they will halt raids on pro-democracy and human rights groups and return property seized in a crackdown that strained ties with Washington, a senior US official said on Friday.

The US ambassador in Egypt, Anne Patterson, spoke again with top Egyptian officials including members of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces on Friday to press US demands that the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) be allowed to resume normal operations, the official said.

"The ambassador has sought and received Egyptian leadership assurances that the raids will cease and property will be returned immediately," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The United States reacted sharply on Thursday after Egyptian police raided the offices of 17 non-governmental groups, including several that receive US backing, and hinted