“To ensure a strong bilateral relationship during an uncertain time of transition, the U.S. must send a strong signal of support to Egyptian activists and democratic reformers by demanding that the government respect basic human rights and religious freedom,” the letter declares.
The language requested, if passed into law, would require the Secretary of State certify that “the Government of Egypt is not acting to restrict the political, economic or religious freedoms and human rights of citizens” and that it “has lifted restrictions in law and practice on the work of Egyptian and international nongovernmental organizations, in particular in the human rights and democracy field.” The letter also requests that $50 million of Egypt’s economic assistance be designated for democracy and governance programs.
The full text of the letter can be seen here: