by Michael Hernandez
WASHINGTON, D.C.
The U.S. is hopeful that Egypt can successfully achieve a democratic transition, said U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Tuesday.
“We are hopeful and look for a political process of inclusivity, a Constitution implemented which brings people politically to the table and broadens the democratic base of Egypt,” said Kerry while speaking to the press with Nabil Fahmy, the Egyptian Foreign Minister, at the State Department.
Kerry’s comments follow Monday’s announcement of 683 death sentences in Egypt, including Mohammed Badie, the spiritual leader of the now outlawed Muslim Brotherhood.
The same judge who issued Monday’s ruling, Said Youssef, sentenced 529 other individuals to death last month after only two court sessions, sparking international condemnation. Youssef confirmed the death sentences of 37 of those individuals Monday, while commuting all others to life in prison.
The court rulings were “disturbing decisions,” said Kerry, adding they “have raised serious challenges for all of us.”
Both he and Fahmy would discuss the rulings “very candidly,” Kerry said.
“I'll be happy to explain what's happening in Egypt domestically as well,” said Fahmy. “We are moving forward.”
The Obama administration announced last week that it would begin to release $650 million of its annual $1.5 billion in foreign assistance, and send 10 Apache helicopters to the Egyptian military. The move follows its decision to suspend all aid to Egypt in October after violent confrontations between Egyptian authorities and protesters resulted in mass civilian casualties.
The recent decision has run afoul of some members of Congress, however.
“I am not prepared to sign off on the delivery of additional aid for the Egyptian military,” said Patrick Leahy, the chairman of the Senate committee that oversees foreign aid, while speaking on the Senate floor Tuesday.
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