U.S. military aid to Egypt will remain at its current $1.3 billion a year, Ambassador Margaret Scobey said Saturday.
At a news conference in Cairo, Scobey said the Obama administration is concerned about the interim government’s use of military courts and detention for civilians, al-Masry al-Youm reported. She urged the government to lift emergency decrees.
But she said the administration expects to continue a security partnership with Egypt that dates back to the Camp David Accords negotiated during the administration of President Jimmy Carter.
“We believe U.S. security assistance to Egypt has been a partnership that advanced peace and security in the region,” Scobey said. “It’s not that we agree on everything. This has never been the case.”
President Obama announced Friday he had named a veteran diplomat to succeed Scobey, officials said. Anne Patterson has served as ambassador to Pakistan, Colombia and El Salvador, and in major posts within the State Department.