Financial Times FT.com

Egypt ‘not under US pressure’ over political freedom

by William Wallis and Roula Khalaf in Sharm el-Sheikh

Published: May 21 2006 19:17 | Last updated: May 21 2006 19:17

Egypt’s prime minister on Sunday said he had been reassured by the US that American financial aid would not be affected by the latest spat over political freedom, insisting that Cairo and Washington “see eye to eye” on the importance of their relationship.

Speaking to the FT after a meeting with Robert Zoellick, deputy US secretary of state, Ahmed Nazif said Cairo did not feel under pressure from Washington for more rapid political change, despite critical statements issued by Bush administration officials over the past week. Egypt’s relations with the US could not be based on conditionality, he added. The Prime minister also met members of the US Congress on Sunday.

You have viewed your allowance of free articles. If you wish to view more, click the button below.

Read this