By POMED –
Ten United States Senators signed a letter addressed to President Donald Trump urging him to put pressure on Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi for the worsening humanitarian conditions in Egypt, and specifically to press al-Sisi to repeal the recently ratifiedlegislation [Ar] that restricts NGO activities. The letter was signed by U.S. Senators Marco Rubio(R-FL), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Todd Young (R-IN), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Bob Casey (D-PA), Chris Coons (D-DE) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH). The letter emphasizes that “there are major gaps in the U.S.-Egypt relationship that challenge the longstanding partnership between our two countries. Most glaring is the current situation for human rights and civil society in Egypt.”
The letter goes on to state that the “draconian” law “not only negatively impacts Egypt’s future, but sends a deeply concerning signal regarding Egypt’s commitment to fundamental freedoms and universal values.” The senators also pledge in the letter that “Congress will take the Egyptian government’s recent actions into consideration as we review our bilateral assistance to Egypt to ensure that the American people’s tax dollars are used appropriately.” The letter also urges Trump to “encourage President al-Sisi to support human rights and civil society, and to take the necessary steps to allow NGOs to operate freely and independently and without fear of government interference.”
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http://mailchi.mp/pomed/egypt-daily-update-june-6-842309?e=8e9e92eefa