http://www.defense.gov/Releases/Release.aspx?ReleaseID=16660

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Release No: NR-203-14

April 22, 2014

Readout of Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel's Call with Egyptian Minister of Defense Col. General Sedki Sobhy

Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby provided the following readout:

Secretary Chuck Hagel spoke this afternoon with Egyptian Minister of Defense Colonel General Sedki Sobhy to inform him that Secretary Kerry will soon certify to Congress that Egypt is sustaining the strategic relationship with the United States and is meeting its obligations under the 1979 Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty. These certifications are required to obligate fiscal year 2014 funds for assistance to the Government of Egypt.

Secretary Hagel told General Sobhy that we are not yet able to certify that Egypt is taking steps to support a democratic transition, and he urged the Egyptian government to demonstrate progress on a more inclusive transition that respects the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Egyptians.

Secretary Hagel also informed Minister Sobhy of President Obama's decision to deliver ten Apache helicopters in support of Egypt's counterterrorism operations in the Sinai. The secretary noted that we believe these new helicopters will help the Egyptian government counter extremists who threaten U.S., Egyptian, and Israeli security. This is one element of the president's broader efforts to work with partners across the region to build their capacity to counter terrorist threats, and is the United States' national security interest.