Unfreezing US aid to Egypt will be a positive step: Army spokesman

Ahram Online, Thursday 16 Jan 2014

Army spokesman calls Egypt-US tie 'historic' and stronger than any 'dispute'

Army
Egyptian armed forces spokesman Col. Ahmed Ali (Photo: Reuters)

Military spokesman Ahmed Ali expressed his content with a soon to be implemented decision by the United to States to resume economic aid to Egypt.

In a phone interview with private-owned TV channel Al-Hayez, Ali said that “unfreezing the aid is a positive step."

"It reflects more understanding as to what’s happening in Egypt and also a respect to the army’s role in protecting the will of the people,” he said.

He added that the relationship between the Egyptian and American army is a historic one that will not “fade away because of a dispute.”

According to media reports, the US Congress’ new spending bill would restore more than $1.5 billion in military and economic aid to Egypt, which had been largely cut off amid concerns over Egypt’s democratic transition and mounting violence following the ouster of Islamist leader Mohamed Morsi.

The new bill is expected to pass on Friday.

The decision comes as Egypt wraps up the second and final day of voting on a newly-amended constitution on Wednesday.

The new constitution, if approved, will replace the Islamist-drafted 2012 charter.

According to the post-June 30 political roadmap, a successful referendum will be followed by parliamentary and presidential elections within the next six months.

 

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