U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, Chairman of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs, released the following statement on the State Department’s announcement regarding U.S. assistance to Egypt.
“The U.S.-Egypt strategic relationship is important for regional security and stability. I support our partnership with the Egyptian military and the people of Egypt and want to see a stronger Egypt emerge through a democratic political transition.
“In August, I called on the Administration to suspend aid to Egypt’s military pending a thorough policy review due to indiscriminate violence against the Egyptian people perpetuated by a military-supported interim government. Today, after conducting this review, the Administration announced an altered aid package for Egypt focusing on our core national security interests and assistance directly for the Egyptian people. I welcome the announcement, and as Chairman of the subcommittee for the Middle East and South and Central Asia, I look forward to working with the Administration closely on this new aid relationship, and further discussing the broader contours of our entire aid package with Egypt over the coming months.
“I urge the interim government in Egypt to follow its political roadmap and fulfill the promise of the January 2011 revolution by pursuing an inclusive, democratic government that respects the rights of all Egyptians. There is still much work to be done, and I believe throughout this process our assistance must promote our interests and uphold our values.”
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