European and Egyptian officials held a crisis meeting in Cairo Sunday night to dispel the recent human rights furor triggered by a contentious European Parliament (EP) resolution.
The Egyptian-European Economic Council met to ensure that the recent resolution passed by the EP criticizing the human rights situation in Egypt would not affect business ties.
Matters were further convoluted when a meeting of the EU-Egypt subcommittee on political affairs scheduled to take place on Wednesday and Thursday in Cairo was cancelled by the foreign ministry.
Klaus Ebermann, ambassador of the Delegation of the European Commission in Egypt, hoped this spat would pass soon and “not interrupt business.”
Tag: imperialism
Bush showers Mubarak with praise, avoids record on dissent
From the New York Times:
President Bush lavished praise on President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt on Wednesday, emphasizing the country’s role in regional security and the Israeli-Palestinian peace process while publicly avoiding mention of the government’s actions in jailing or exiling opposition leaders and its severe restrictions on opposition political activities.
Ending an eight-day trip through the Middle East in which he highlighted democratic change as the foundation for peace and security throughout the region, Mr. Bush strikingly avoided direct criticism of Mr. Mubarak, an autocratic leader in power since late 1981. In the past, Mr. Bush criticized Egypt for arresting political dissidents.
“I appreciate very much the long and proud tradition that you’ve had for a vibrant civil society,” said Mr. Bush, whose appearance with Mr. Mubarak was unannounced and, according to the White House, had been uncertain until the last minute.
Mr. Bush’s remarks reflected some of the contradictions evident in the issues he addressed on his trip.
Mubarak pledges support for Bush’s regional plans
From the Daily News Egypt:
American President George W. Bush won the support of President Hosni Mubarak for his peace drive as he brought his Middle East tour to an end in Sharm El-Sheikh Wednesday.
Speaking to reporters in a joint press conference with the US president after a three-hour meeting, Mubarak said, “We are keen on supporting peace efforts. We are ready, hand-in-hand with the United States of America.”
