Cabinet Minister Says US Sought Chaos In Egypt

Published February 14, 2012 8:00AM (EST)

CAIRO (AP) — Egyptian state media are quoting a Cabinet minister as accusing Washington of directly funding nonprofit groups to create chaos in the country following the ouster of U.S. ally Hosni Mubarak.

International Cooperation Minister Faiza Aboul Naga made the remarks in a testimony four months ago to judges investigating allegations the NGOs used foreign funds to foment unrest. They were published by state-owned newspapers Tuesday.

Aboul Naga has been leading the crackdown on the foreign groups. Authorities last week referred a total of 43 employees of nonprofit groups, including at least 16 Americans, to trial before a criminal court.

Washington has threatened to cut off aid to Egypt — a total of $1.5 billion a year — if the issue is not resolved.


By Salon Staff

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