CAIRO: United States Ambassador-Designate to Egypt Anne W. Patterson expressed her commitment to the country in its transition to democracy and outlined her plans should she be named the new ambassador to Egypt, in an address to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in Washington on Tuesday.
“Should I be confirmed, I am under no illusions about the responsibility and challenges of serving as Ambassador to Egypt. This 5,000-year-old society that has been a cradle of civilization and a longstanding regional leader is now the epicenter of enormous, promising changes in the Arab world,” she said.
“People everywhere were inspired by the events of Tahrir Square and Egyptian citizens’ desire for freedom and democracy. But we should remember that transitions to democracy are difficult and long; that there will be reverses and surprises along the way; and that the Egyptians will find their own, unique path,” she continued.
Patterson expressed her commitment to supporting Egypt’s democratic transition, which will reinforce much-needed respect for human rights, with all the moral, economic, and political support that the United States government can muster.
She outlined the strategy that the US administration has developed and which she plans to pursue if she assumes the ambassador position.
“The first priority will be to encourage and support, to the extent that Egyptians desire it, an election process which is free and fair. Polling suggests that many Egyptians will have the first opportunity in their lifetimes to vote in a free election, so enthusiasm is understandably high,” said Patterson.
The second priority is responding to what has been a clear need for jobs, which she said was as strong a motivator for demonstrators in Tahrir Square as a desire for freedom and justice.
Egypt has to generate over 750,000 jobs a year to absorb young people coming into the labor force. Therefore, she noted that a key part of the US strategy, both bilaterally and working with the international community, will be to strengthen Egypt’s private sector so that it can generate economic stability and broaden the benefits of economic growth to all Egyptians.
Patterson pointed out on this note that “it is keenly in our interests” to promote economic recovery in Egypt.
“Young people who have jobs are more likely to be productive members of society and contribute fully in the democratic transition. Importantly, increased economic engagement with Egypt will also offer opportunities for American businesses by investing in and exporting to Egypt,” she explained.
The third priority for the US administration is to ensure that Egypt plays a strong and positive role in the region and that Egypt’s and the US’ interests continue to align.
“As one of only two Arab states to sign a peace treaty with Israel, Egypt has been a powerful ally for a two-state solution and a comprehensive Middle East peace agreement … Our close defense cooperation with Egypt serves US interests and is influential in promoting regional security,” she said.
She concluded her speech pointing out that during Egypt’s transition the US will hear many voices that are not to their liking, and Egypt’s democratic process will be difficult at times because of the newness and fragility of its democratic institutions.
“If confirmed, I will do everything I can to support the aspirations of the Egyptian people during this period of transition. A successful, democratic transition in Egypt matters to the United States strategically; it matters to our allies; and it will serve as a model for the rest of the Arab world,” Patterson said.
