Inhofe Applauds Release of NGO Workers

Statement

As a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC), U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) today recognized the interim Egyptian Military government for facilitating the release of the American NGO aid workers who had been prevented from leaving the country for weeks. The Americans were part of a larger group of aid workers being charged by Egypt's civilian authorities with using foreign aid to cause unrest, something that the aid groups denied.

"I want to recognize the efforts of the Egyptian interim ruling military government for making the right decision in facilitating the release of these American NGO workers," said Inhofe. "The recent problems created by the raids upon the NGO offices, and the detention and trial of these aid workers by Egyptian civilian authorities strained our long history of strong strategic bilateral partnership. This partnership has brought three decades of peace, due in large part to the dedication and professionalism of Egypt's military. Their actions, resulting in the release of these Americans, reinforce my belief that the U.S. must continue our strong military-to-military relationship with Egypt. While I remain concerned about the political gains made by the Muslim Brotherhood - especially the election of one of them as the new speaker of Egypt's upper chamber -- we must continue to assist the interim military government in making sure the transition to a democratically elected government succeeds. I will continue to monitor the situation in Egypt closely and, should radicals highjack the democratic process, respond accordingly."

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