WASHINGTON D.C. (Press Release) –Following remarks made by Secretary of State Hilary Clinton that the Obama
Administration is now pursuing a policy of “limited contacts” with Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood, Rep. Trent Franks (AZ-02), a member of the House Committee on Armed Services, Friday denounced this policy of engaging an “extremely violent Islamic fundamentalist group” saying:
“It is unfathomable that this Administration is reaching out to an extremely violent Islamic fundamentalist group, the Muslim Brotherhood: a group whose “Supreme Leader,” Mohammed Badei, declared holy war or “jihad” on the
U.S. and Israel just last October. The Muslim Brotherhood has decades of violent history covertly operating in the United States, and is recognized by experts as having 100 times more active members than Al-Qaeda. The Muslim
Brotherhood membership includes designated terrorist organizations, like Hamas.
“I am gravely concerned to say the least that the Muslim Brotherhood is using their cover organization, “The
Freedom and Justice Party,” as a vehicle to contest 50% of Egypt’s parliamentary seats. The Administration is fooling themselves as well as placing the United States and Israel in severe danger if they fail to recognize the fallout that would stem from the Muslim Brotherhood gaining significant and newfound influence in Egyptian policies following the September
elections.
“It is vitally important to our national security and the sanctity of Israel to prevent the Muslim Brotherhood
from gaining further ground in Egypt, the U.S., and around the world, no matter the false labels and promises of non-violence they are conveniently espousing this moment.
“Meanwhile, the Obama Justice Department has decided to cease the prosecution of the Muslim Brotherhood’s U.S. based front groups, identified as unindicted coconspirators in the Holy Land Foundation case – the largest terrorism finance
case in U.S. history.
“I am calling on Secretary Clinton and the Administration to abandon this reckless course of engagement with an
enemy that has called for not only America’s destruction but the destruction of our most trusted ally in the region. The Muslim Brotherhood’s declaration of war against the United States is real and the Obama Administration is again
asleep at the wheel, continuing a policy of self-destruction.”
In a separate news release, Congressman Steve Chabot (R-Ohio) stated:
“I strongly disagree with the Obama Administration’s contacts with the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood. The revolution in Egypt and the ensuing transition creates both opportunities as well as challenges. The United State should be doing everything it can to support secular democratic opposition groups instead of groups like the Muslim Brotherhood with the proclaimed objective of establishing Sharia law. It is clear that the future of Egypt will have a disproportionate impact on the future of the broader Middle East and we have a clear interest in the emergence of a democratic and prosperous Egypt. Reforms should include: conducting of free and fair elections that meet international standards; consolidating critical democratic institutions, including a truly independent parliament and judiciary, a police force that is accountable to the
citizenry, as well as a free press; fostering a vibrant private sector that creates the economic opportunities that the Egyptian people need and deserve; and establishing a government that respects rule of law and fundamental freedoms—including freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and freedom of assembly—and maintains its international obligations, including the peace treaty with Israel.”
And, Congressman Joe Walsh (R-Illinois) stated: “I am terribly disappointed in the Obama Administration’s decision to reestablish contact with the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt. This decision legitimizes an organization whose leadership has said the Egyptian people ‘should be prepared for war against Israel’ and which, should it acquire power, has vowed to abrogate the Camp David Accords. Once again, the Obama administration has chosen to engage with sworn enemies
who seek our destruction at the expense of cherished allies who share our values. Simply put, the Muslim Brotherhood seeks to plunge Egypt and her people into darkness – no amount of ‘engagement’ will change that. And the United
States should not lend our good name to their efforts.”
“I and over 300 of my House colleagues recently signed a bipartisan letter co-authored by Congresswomen Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) to Secretary Clinton urging the Administration, in its dealings
with Egyptian leaders, potential leaders, and opposition leaders, to stress Egypt’s international obligations; specifically, its peace treaty with Israel. In light of that letter, it is difficult to see the Administration’s choice as anything but a slap in the face of Congress.”
“It is clear that the Obama administration has ignored the voice of the American people and is again catering to our sworn enemies instead of the interests of our ally, Israel. I urge the Administration to rethink and abandon this reckless and naïve course of action.”
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Preceding provided by Congressmembers Franks, Chabot and Walsh.