Egypt’s PM: International financial promises have not been kept

The Egyptian prime minister, Kamal al-Ganzouri, indirectly criticized the Arab countries and the international community for not fulfilling their promises of giving financial aid to Egypt. Al-Ganzouri said in a press conference in Cairo on Thursday that $9 billion has exited Egypt, without giving details, and said that Egypt has received only $1 billion from “Arab brethrens” from their promised $10.5 billion, which was to be in the form of aid and loans. He said while the Arab countries promised Egyptians some money to help up with the crisis, the Arab states instead gave “generous” aid to other states. As for the promised G8 money, he said nothing was received, as well as nothing from America’s promised $2.5 billion. “They were serious [in giving aid], but after our differences they do not know who will come [to power]” he said, adding “the international community has given its back to us because of our differences.” Al-Ganzouri called for consensus and dialogue to improve the economic situation in Egypt. “I don’t charge anyone nor defend anyone, but I wish that everyone works to get rid of violence,” he said. “How can there be in a country like Egypt, and in the middle of its capital, depressing concrete barriers, things meant for defense? Isn’t it better to end this so that tourists will come?” He also said that the citizens of Egypt deserve to be able to feel safe and secure, and that individuals who have done wrong will face trial. Foreign reserves in Egypt have fallen from $36 billion at the beginning of the year to $20 billion now, according to AFP. By February, they are projected to fall to $15 billion, a level at which it will become difficult to pay for imports such as wheat, analysts say. Ganzouri’s nomination as caretaker premier in November by the military rulers who took over from Mubarak prompted a sit-in outside the cabinet office by protesters demanding an immediate transition to a civilian government with full powers. Five straight days of clashes from Friday between the protesters and security forces left at least 17 people dead, the health ministry said on Thursday, and sparked an international outcry. Activists have called for a mass rally on Friday, dubbed the “Friday of Restoring Honor,” to demand the military hold accountable soldiers responsible for abuses. Voters went to the polls again on Thursday in run-offs for the second stage of staggered parliamentary elections, a landmark vote that has been overshadowed by the protest deaths.