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January 27, 2012

U.S. Threatens to Stop Egyptian Military Aid Over Stranded Americans 
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The United States has threatened to withhold annual aid to the Egyptian
military after Egypt barred at least six Americans from leaving the
country. Among those held back is the son of Transportation Secretary
Ray La Hood, Sam La Hood, who directs the Egyptian program of the
International Republican Institute. The group’s Cairo office was
raided late last month by Egyptian authorities, along with the offices
of two other U.S.-backed organizations. In Washington, State Department
spokesperson Victoria Nuland called on Egypt to allow the Americans'
departure without delay.

State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland: "We have several U.S.
citizens working at various international non-governmental organizations
in Egypt that have been questioned by judges in Egypt and they are
currently not being allowed to depart Egypt in connection with the
government's investigation of NGOs. We are urging the government of
Egypt to lift these restrictions immediately and allow folks to come
home as soon as possible. And we are hopeful that this issue will be
resolved in nearest days."



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