Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama, despite opposition in Congress,
has relayed all of U.S. aid to Egypt for 2012.

In an unusual move, the White House acknowledged that the administration
relayed all $1,5 billion in U.S. civilian and military aid to Egypt for this
year.

The move came less than two weeks after Obama exercised a waiver of a law that would halt all assistance to Egypt until it honored human rights, democratic reforms and pledges for security cooperation.

“Egypt has been an important ally of the United States and has played a significant role in the region,” White House press secretary Jay Carney said.

In a briefing on April 5, Carney confirmed that the administration relayed $1.3 billion in U.S. military aid and $200 million in civilian assistance in one transfer. The spokesman did not explain why the White House ignored calls by Congress to stagger the aid in at least three payments.

The briefing followed the first formal meetings between the White House
and leaders of Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood, which now dominates the new
parliament. Carney said the United States would work with the Brotherhood to
encourage democracy in Egypt after the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak in
2011.

“Anyone who has paid any attention to the post-revolution developments
in Egypt know that the Muslim Brotherhood will be a major player,” Carney
said.

Officials said Egypt began to receive its annual U.S. aid in one lump
sum after years of complaints by the Mubarak regime. They said the transfer
would allow Egypt to earn interest on the U.S. assistance until the money
was used to pay American military contractors.

The U.S. aid has been regarded as vital for the continuation of major
military procurement by Egypt in 2012. Egypt has been awaiting the
production of 20 F-16 Block 52 multi-role fighters from Lockheed Martin as
well as co-production of 250 M1A1 main battle tanks by General Dynamics.

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