Obama Orders Review of US aid to Egypt

by Daniel Siryoti and News Agencies

Senator Leahy: U.S. aid is cut off when a democratically elected government is deposed by military coup or decree • Obama calls for swift return to democratically elected civilian rule.

The Egyptian army -- U.S. funded | Photo credit: AP

U.S. President Barack Obama on Wednesday called on the Egyptian military to move quickly and return power to a "democratically elected civilian government."

"As I have said since the Egyptian Revolution, the United States supports a set of core principles, including opposition to violence, protection of universal human rights, and reform that meets the legitimate aspirations of the people," Obama said in a White House statement. "The United States does not support particular individuals or political parties, but we are committed to the democratic process and respect for the rule of law."

“Given today’s developments, I have also directed the relevant departments and agencies to review the implications under U.S. law for our assistance to the Government of Egypt,” the president said Wednesday.

Congress traditionally earmarks about $1 billion per year to the Egyptian army.

Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), who heads up the appropriations subcommittee that oversees foreign aid, said the law is clear: “U.S. aid is cut off when a democratically elected government is deposed by military coup or decree," Politico reported.

Leahy said the committee will also “review future aid to the Egyptian government as we wait for a clearer picture. As the world’s oldest democracy, this is a time to reaffirm our commitment to the principle that transfers of power should be by the ballot, not by force of arms.”

According to Politico, the senator pointed to a provision in last year’s appropriations bill that blocks aid following changes in government in which “the military plays a decisive role.” It was not immediately clear whether that provision applies to this year’s aid, or whether the U.S. still has aid to disburse to Egypt before the fiscal year ends in September.

News of Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi's ouster on Wednesday brought mixed reactions from around the world, with Morsi's enemies praising his removal while others called for a return of power to civilian rule as soon as possible.

Syrian President Bashar Assad, whose regime is in its third year of violent civil war with a predominantly Sunni uprising, was content to see Morsi go.

"Whoever makes political use of religion to the benefit of some and at the expense of others -- is bound to fall," Assad said. "What is happening in Egypt is the fall of what is known as political Islam."

Morsi had publicly supported the Sunni insurgents in Syria, cutting off diplomatic ties with the Syrian government in June and accusing it of taking part in a "campaign of extermination and planned ethnic cleansing" during a rally with Sunni clerics. Media outlets in Syria showed extensive coverage of the protests in Egypt.

The European Union called for a return to democracy in Egypt on Thursday.

"I urge all sides to rapidly return to the democratic process, including the holding of free and fair presidential and parliamentary elections and the approval of a constitution, to be done in a fully inclusive manner, so as to permit the country to resume and complete its democratic transition," EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said in a statement. Ashton called for restraint and urged Egyptian security forces to "do everything in their power to protect the lives and well-being of Egyptian citizens."

"[The EU is] unequivocally committed to supporting the Egyptian people in their aspirations to democracy and inclusive governance," Ashton said.

British Foreign Secretary William Hague said he did not support "military intervention as a way to resolve disputes in a democratic system" and urged all sides to "avoid violence." 

"We continue to advise British citizens to avoid all nonessential travel to Egypt apart from the Red Sea resorts, and to monitor travel advice from the Foreign Office," Hague said in a statement

Meanwhile, the Arab League praised Morsi's departure on Thursday and said the world should respect the Egyptian people's demand for change.

"The League closely monitored the events and crucial developments taking place in the Arab Republic of Egypt, as part of its national responsibilities and its concern to preserve security and stability in Arab countries", Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Elaraby said in a statement to Iraqi TV network Alsumaria.

Elaraby lauded the "Egyptian people's revolution which will establish freedom, democracy, social equality and good governance." He called upon everyone "to abide by the people's demands for change; to preserve Egypt's future, role and historical position on the Arab and international level."

Elaraby warned against "the dangers of fiddling with Egypt's future, security and stability," later calling for "compliance with the people's demands for change in this critical hour. Such a fact is confirmed by history throughout all its epochs."

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged a swift return to civilian rule, restraint and respect for civil rights.

He did not, however, condemn the military action, saying that "many Egyptians in their protests have voiced deep frustrations and legitimate concerns. ... At the same time, military interference in the affairs of any state is of concern."

 

 

Daniel Siryoti and News Agencies

Source: http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=10451

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