CAIRO: In a symbolic visit to support the Egypt’s “extraordinary transition” after the revolution, American senators John McCain (R-Ariz) and John Kerry (D-Mass) reiterated a message of economic cooperation, not dictation.
“The American people on a non-partisan basis want to see this revolution succeed, we want to assist not dictate,” said McCain. “We feel that the United States government can provide assistance and aid in a broad variety of way.”
The US senators led a business delegation to Egypt, and on Sunday, rang the opening bell at the Egyptian Stock Exchange.
McCain, however, pointed out that while America is behind Egypt in its struggle for democracy, they want to be assured that the success of the revolution also means peace and security for the American people.
“We want to make sure that the American people are able to live in a more secure world if this revolution succeeds and we are very optimistic that it will,” he said.
According to McCain, “The success and failure of the revolution in this part of the Arab world will be directly related to the ability of providing investments and jobs for the Egyptian people.”
Before touring the Coca-Cola factory in Cairo, both senators sat down with Egyptian Field Marshal Mohamed Tantawy where they suggested that the de facto president support international, third-party observers in the upcoming elections.
“Our recommendations included the idea of having third party organizers with Egypt’s upcoming campaigns and elections,” said McCain. “We also suggested ways to have more economic cooperation, further assistance to Egypt’s military, and hastening the legislation of proposed aid to Congress.”
McCain pointed out that in their meeting, Tantawy made it very clear that the military is seeking the earliest possible date to deliver over the country to a civil government.
The senators emphasized the need for urgency in legislation of proposed aid to Egypt from Congress as well as enhancing current economic ties between both countries.
“We are not here to tell anyone anything, we are here to listen to offer help because we were inspired by the events of Tahrir Square and what Egyptians are doing,” said Kerry. “We need to work the details of how our assistance program can meet the needs of the Egyptian people and create the maximum amount of jobs.”
Kerry added that while the Egyptian people “do not lack courage, skill, or hope,” they lacked the opportunity to utilize these qualities.
“We believe ultimately dictators or despots can not suppress the people’s dreams,” he said.
The senator hopes that the American people can help Egyptians reach their full potential whether it’s through education, investments, or job creations.
“What Egypt does can change the region and will help in the quest for a better future,” Kerry added.
Jeff Immelt, chairman and CEO of General Electric Co. and Curt Ferguson, president of Coca-Cola Middle East, joined the senators in Cairo’s free zone area where the Coca-Cola factory operates.
McCain and Kerry visited Egypt numerous times before and after the Egyptian revolution.
McCain also discussed the push for reform across the region, calling it the “Arab spring,” specifically mentioning Syria and the need for America’s support, not military interference.
“Let’s call Bashar Al-Assad what he is, and that’s a butcher, and let’s recall our ambassador who has no business in Damascus anymore, let’s impose sanctions on the Syrian government until they stop massacring their own people and let’s work with Turkey to help provide assistance to the thousands of refugees who have been forced to leave Syria,” he said.
Mohamed Abdel Salam, chairman of the stock exchange, said the delegation’s visit sends a strong message from the US government, reflecting full support for Egypt during this period.
Current US Ambassador to Cairo, Margaret Scobey, and her predecessor David Welch were on hand at the bourse, along with executives from companies including Apache and General Electric.
Both senators were optimistic about Egypt’s economic future, according to a statement from the exchange.
Abdel Salam said that most foreign financial institutions operating in the stock market before January 2011 were conservative investors due to the size of political risk, which has changed after the resumption of trading on March 23 evidenced by the confident movement of foreign institutional investment in the market.
