The White House says it's concerned and disappointed about the situation in Egypt, where a handful of US citizens who are being prevented from leaving the country have taken shelter at the American embassy in Cairo.
White House press secretary Jay Carney says the administration has made its concerns clear in discussions with Egypt's military authorities. He said US officials are working to resolve the matter as quickly as possible.
The unusual situation comes amid an Egyptian crackdown on US-funded groups promoting democracy that has jeopardized more than US$1 billion in US aid to Egypt.
But Carney was careful Monday to praise Egypt for taking important steps toward transitioning to democracy since the fall of Hosni Mubarak a year ago. When asked if President Obama is frustrated with Egypt's progress, he said, "We congratulate the Egyptians on these important steps … There are challenges that remain. But it's important to remember that Egypt has come a very long way."
Asked about reports that claimed that the US embassy in Cairo is sheltering Americans, Carney said, "We're not aware that they're in any danger. But that handful of citizens has opted to stay in the embassy compound … As you know, these are citizens who have been told they cannot leave Egypt. We have, in our discussions with the SCAF, made clear our concerns about this issue and our disappointment that these several citizens are not being allowed to depart Egypt."
But when asked about how many Americans are staying in the US embassy, Carney said "I don't have a precise number or any individual names."
Moreover, Carney dismissed that the citizens are being sheltered to avoid arrest saying, “The Egyptian authorities have said they cannot leave the country. I don't know that there is an issue of arrest."
