Letter to Field Marshal Tantawi

Letter

Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) sent the following letter to Egyptian Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi condemning the recent raids of several non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including three U.S. groups. Joining Hastings in sending this bipartisan letter in support of democracy in Egypt and in condemnation of the NGO raids are (27): Representatives Ted Poe (R-TX), John Carter (R-TX), Gary Peters (D-MI), John W. Olver (D-MA), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Michael M. Honda (D-CA), Michael E. Capuano (D-MA), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI), James P. McGovern (D-MA), Albio Sires (D-NJ), Frank R. Wolf (R-VA), Loretta Sanchez (D-CA), Jim McDermott (D-WA), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Hansen Clarke (D-MI), Ann Marie Buerkle (R-NY), Trent Franks (R-AZ), John Garamendi (D-CA), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Dan Burton (R-IN), James P. Moran (D-VA), Ted Deutch (D-FL), Michael T. McCaul (R-TX), Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA), and Glenn 'GT' Thompson (R-PA). (Please find below and attached a copy of the letter).

January 11, 2012

Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi
President of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces of the Arab Republic of Egypt
Cairo

Dear Field Marshal Tantawi:

We write to condemn the recent raids by Egyptian authorities of 10 non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including three U.S. groups: the National Democratic Institute, the International Republican Institute, and Freedom House.

These raids were a direct attack on civil society and seriously call into question whether your government is committed to a transition to a democratic Egypt. They mark a considerable step back from even what was allowed under the Mubarak regime.

We believe that the investigations of these NGOs must cease immediately, that confiscated property be returned, and strongly urge your government to allow civil society to act unfettered.

Since 1975, Egypt has received well over $50 billion in U.S. aid -- much of it for the military. As stipulated by Congress in the Fiscal Year 2012 appropriations bill the U.S. State Department must certify that, "the Government of Egypt is supporting the transition to civilian government including holding free and fair elections; implementing policies to protect freedom of expression, association, and religion, and due process of the law." Cracking down on the very groups that promote these conditions gives us great concern.

It is our sincere hope that your government will immediately reverse its actions, and demonstrate a strong commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Furthermore, we hope and expect that the Government of Egypt recognizes the role of NGOs in creating and preserving a free society and that it will respect their independence in the future. Finally, we trust that the United States can be a committed partner in those endeavors for many years to come.

Sincerely,

Alcee L. Hastings
Member of Congress

Ted Poe
Member of Congress

John Carter
Member of Congress

Gary Peters
Member of Congress

John W. Olver
Member of Congress

Lloyd Doggett
Member of Congress

Michael M. Honda
Member of Congress

Michael E. Capuano
Member of Congress

Gus Bilirakis
Member of Congress

John Conyers, Jr.
Member of Congress

James P. McGovern
Member of Congress

Albio Sires
Member of Congress

Frank R. Wolf
Member of Congress

Loretta Sanchez
Member of Congress

Jim McDermott
Member of Congress

Sheila Jackson Lee
Member of Congress

Carolyn B. Maloney
Member of Congress

Hansen Clarke
Member of Congress

Ann Marie Buerkle
Member of Congress

Trent Franks
Member of Congress

John Garamendi
Member of Congress

Jan Schakowsky
Member of Congress

Dan Burton
Member of Congress

James P. Moran
Member of Congress

Ted Deutch
Member of Congress

Michael T. McCaul
Member of Congress

Stephen F. Lynch
Member of Congress

Glenn 'GT' Thompson
Member of Congress

Cc: The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State, U.S. Department of State

The Honorable Anne W. Patterson
U.S. Ambassador to Egypt, Embassy of the United States of America, Cairo, Egypt

H.E. Sameh Shoukry
Ambassador of Egypt to the United States, Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt

Major General Mohamed Elkeshky
Defense, Military, Naval, and Air Attaché, Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt

Source