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US Condemns Egypt Crackdown

by Dan Robinson August 14, 2013

The United States has strongly condemned violence in Egypt as security forces moved to clear protest camps in Cairo set up by supporters of ousted president Mohamed Morsi.

In a news briefing in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, where President Barack Obama and his family are vacationing, Deputy Press Secretary Josh Earnest said Washington has repeatedly called on Egypt's military and security forces to show restraint and respect basic human rights of Egyptian citizens, while also urging protesters to demonstrate peacefully.

'We also strongly oppose a return to a State of Emergency law, and call on the government to respect basic human rights, such as freedom of peaceful assembly and due process under the law,' he said. 'The world is watching what is happening in Cairo. We urge the government of Egypt and all parties in Egypt to refrain from violence and resolve their differences peacefully.'

Obama now faces renewed questions about his handling of the situation in Egypt, and his response to the ouster in July of former president Morsi. The administration declined to make a determination that a coup took place. Under U.S. law that would require a cutoff of the $1.5 billion in economic and military aid the United States provides to Egypt.

Earnest would not provide details of conversations he said are taking place 'at a variety of levels' with Egypt's leaders and military, nor would he say whether the Obama administration received advance notice of the crackdown.

As for whether the violence has moved the United States closer to using bilateral aid as additional leverage, Earnest had this exchange with a reporter.

EARNEST: 'The review of our assistance that is provided to Egypt is something that we do on a regular basis and that is something that we are continuing to do.'

REPORTER: 'Will it be accelerated now after this series of events?'

EARNEST: 'I would concede that it is, that it continues to happen, that we are continuing to review our posture and our assistance to the Egyptians.'

The United States is not issuing any 'ultimatum,' but wants to see tangible evidence that Egypt's interim government is making good on its promise to promptly transition to a democratically-elected civilian government, said Ernest. Violence, he added, does not indicate that the interim government is moving in that direction.

Pressed on what concrete steps the United States is taking, Earnest mentioned multilateral efforts with allies and partners, such as Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and European Union, to put pressure on Cairo.

Ultimately, Earnest said the United States wants to see an inclusive government that reflects the will of the people of Egypt and respects basic human rights. He repeated that the Obama administration does not support any specific personality, but a process.

Obama is receiving regular briefings on Egypt from National Security Adviser Susan Rice and his national security team while he remains on vacation in Martha's Vineyard.