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January 30, 2012

Egyptian Generals Visit U.S. Amid Dispute Over U.S.-Backed NGOs 
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The Wall Street Journal reports a group of senior Egyptian generals
landed in Washington, D.C., on Sunday to try to mend relations following
a December raid on several U.S.-backed human rights organizations in
Cairo. Egypt is now preventing a group of American employees from the
organizations from leaving the country. The Americans include Julie
Hughes, director of the National Democratic Institute in Egypt.

Julie Hughes: "Again, NDI's program is to support a democratic
transition that has been defined by the Egyptian people and we look
forward to a dialogue that clarifies who we are and what we do. If there
are misunderstandings about the work that we do in Egypt, our
motivations for being here, and the impact that it has, then we look
forward to clearing them up."

Among the other the other Americans blocked from leaving is Sam La Hood,
director of the International Republican Institute's program in Egypt.
His father is Transportation Secretary Ray La Hood. The visiting
Egyptian generals are expected to have meetings scheduled at the State
Department, with members of Congress and at the Pentagon.



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