CAIRO: A US congress delegation reaffirmed on Wednesday American support for Egyptian democracy.
The delegation, which includes US congressmen David Drier, David Price, Gwen Moore, Jim McDermott, and Keith Ellison had met with Field Marshall Hussein Tantawy and presidential candidate Amr Moussa, as well as visited the gravesite of former president Anwar Sadat.
"January 25 was an exciting and thrilling day…for freedom-loving people around the world," Drier said, adding that the Arab Spring "does not have the made-in-America stamp."
Drier, a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, is the chairman of the House Democracy Partnership (HDP) which works with 13 partnering countries to strengthen legislative institutions in countries around the world.
Price, who co-chairs the HDP, responded to questions about the specifics of the HDP’s support, saying that some of the funding would go to NGOs which, Price stressed, “do not take sides in political controversies."
Mentioning historical parallels between the two countries, Price briefly described the gradual evolution of US democracy, including the abolition of slavery and the right of women to vote.
Drier mentioned that he would be introducing legislation to promote a Free Trade Agreement with Egypt.
"I would like to see us provide zero dollars in aid to Egypt," he continued, explaining that he would rather see an increase in trade.
"Are you also referring to the 1.3 billion in military assistance?" asked Matt Bradley of the Wall Street Journal.
Drier did not respond directly, saying only, "It is always time for a Free Trade Agreement."
Responding to several questions about the recent extension of emergency law and military trials of civilians, Drier mentioned 9/11 and said that "human rights are of paramount importance, but security and economy are important too."
The delegation was then asked what Field Marshal Tantawy had said about the future of the law, which suspends constitutional rights and extends the power of police.
"Obviously the issue of harassment of the media, the issue of emergency laws, are concerns we voiced," Drier said, "and he talked about the challenges involved in the ongoing security concerns."
One journalist asked if they would cooperate with the Muslim Brotherhood if they came into power.
"We can’t predetermine the outcome of a decision the HDP would make today," Drier responded.
"We stress inclusion," Price added. "It’s part of what we like to think we stand for."
"The HDP is not a revolutionary organization," he said.
Gwen Moore focused on the actions of women during the revolution, arguing that "it is so easy for women to be taken for granted."
