Coons joins other lawmakers in call to end foreign aid to Egypt

Earlier this month, the Egyptian military overthrew the government, causing widespread violence across the country. The Egyptian army has killed hundreds of protesters.

{mosads}“The deplorable violence that has scarred Egypt over the last month is truly disturbing,” Coons said. “In the interest of supporting all Egyptians and the future stability of the Egyptian state, it is essential that the military, the Muslim Brotherhood, and all parties to this conflict bring an end to this tragic cycle of violence.”

The Obama administration is considering cutting off the more than $1 billion in U.S. foreign aid to Egypt but has not yet pledged to do so despite numerous demands from lawmakers. Egypt’s proximity to Israel — a major U.S. ally — complicates the situation because the country is seen as key to stabilizing the region and protecting the Jewish state from Muslim extremists.

“Egypt has been a strong and important ally to the United States for decades, working closely and productively with our military in the fight against terrorism and extremism, and serving as a vital economic partner in an important part of the world,” Coons said. “While we continue to value our Egyptian partners and hope for a long and sustained relationship, I applaud the administration’s decision to seriously review our assistance to Egypt.”

Coons, who serves on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said it would be crucial that the United States pledge to renew aid to Egypt once the country is on a “path of reform and democracy.”