The bill does not contain a national security waiver clause that would allow the U.S. Secretary of State to waive restrictions on the aid if Egypt fails to meet these provisions, a major departure from previous practice. Another notable exception from previous years is the absence of a $250 million designation in economic assistance to Egypt. The $250 million annually includes funds appropriated for education, agricultural, health, democracy and governance, and other development programs. But according to Congressional aides, “the money has also not been specifically prohibited,” if the administration allocates Egypt economic assistance. Earlier today, the State and Foreign Appropriations subcommittee approved the bill, sending it to the full committee for further discussion.
The British government announced that they have placed a ban on certain exports to Egypt’s military due to fears that these products may be used against protesters in the future. Britain’s Business Secretary Vince Cable expressed his government’s concern “about the situation in Egypt and the events which have led to the deaths of protestors ” Cable added “All licenses for exports of controlled goods to Egypt have been assessed on a case-by-case basis against a range of internationally agreed stringent criteria which take into account the circumstances at the time the license application was made.” Currently Britain has revoked the trade licenses of five exports to the Egyptian military. According to Cable these licences may be renewed in the future.
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POMED