AJC Urges Restoration of U.S. Aid to Egypt

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Oct 22, 2014, 12:43 ET

CAIRO, Oct. 22, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- An AJC delegation, after three days of high-level consultations, urged accelerated steps to normalize strategic relations between the United States and Egypt.

"Egypt has been, and remains, an essential ally in the global fight against terror‎ and extremism," said Jason Isaacson, AJC Associate Executive Director for Policy.

U.S. military aid to Egypt, extended since the 1979 Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty, was suspended a year ago, a decision AJC opposed. AJC is seeking restoration of the $1.3 billion aid package.

"In the face of persistent Muslim Brotherhood terrorism and alarming gains by ISIS across the Middle East, continuing to hamper Egypt's ability to act as a full coalition partner is contrary to U.S. national interests, to a vital bilateral relationship, and to regional security and peace," said Isaacson.

The six‎-member AJC group‎, led by Allan Reich, Chair of AJC's International Relations Commission, met with Foreign Minister Sameh Hassan Shoukry and other top government officials, senior military commanders, strategic analysts, journalists, business leaders, and a cross-section of political activists. It was AJC's fourth visit to Cairo since the 2011 revolution that brought down the regime of Hosni Mubarak.

The AJC delegation also toured Jewish heritage sites, and discussed communal concerns, with Magda Haroun Silvera‎, president of the Egyptian Jewish community.

"Egypt, long the keystone of the Arab world, faces enormous challenges -- an economy trying to get back on its feet; a political process still sorting itself out after two revolutions in three years; ongoing human rights, employment and education deficits; and hard-to-satisfy energy and water demands," Isaacson continued.

"Egypt must continue to confront these multiple challenges -- and continue to invite and welcome America as its partner. But without security -- internally, and on its borders -- Egypt's ability to progress and advance regional peace and stability will be severely compromised. Continued U.S. investment in Egyptian security is essential."

Egyptian officials assured the AJC delegation of the country's ‎reliance on, and commitment to honoring, the peace treaty with Israel. The delegation concluded its visit on the eve of a terrorist attack launched from Sinai against Israeli soldiers manning the Egyptian border.

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SOURCE American Jewish Committee