AMP board member at National Press Club

Dr. Osama Abu Irshaid calls on President to cut aid to Egypt

(WASHINGTON DC 08/14/2013) -- American Muslims for Palestine national board member Dr. Osama Abu Irshaid spoke at a press conference today at the National Press Club, called by the Egyptian Americans for Democracy and Human Rights to condemn the military violence against innocent protestors in Egypt and to urge the United States government to withhold military aid until the Egyptian government is returned to the democratic process.

The following is a paraphrase of Dr. Abu Irshaid’s comments: 

“The American Muslims for Palestine stands firmly for justice, everywhere. 

“Today, the Egyptian military used weapons and ammunition manufactured by American arms companies and supplied by the United States to kill people who have been peacefully protesting the July 3 coup that ousted duly elected President Mohammad Morsi.

 "This is unacceptable and in breach of the Arms Export Control Act. It is high time for President Barack Obama and his administration to stop with endless philosophical discussions about what happened on July 3 when the military deposed Morsi and wrested control of the government away from those who had been elected by the Egyptian people. It is time for the president and Congress to decisively call Morsi’s ouster a military coup and to withhold US military aid until the government is again under civilian control. 

“Americans hold the values of self-determination and democracy very dear and it is extremely important that the United States be consistent in upholding its democratic values around the world. Our silence on the matter of the coup and our continued support of the Egyptian military, especially now in light of today’s violence, only weakens our position in the Arab and Muslim world and harms our national security.

“The American Muslims for Palestine, which seeks justice for Palestinians, also stands on the side of justice for the Egyptian people. We condemn the violence today and pray for the victims and their families and for peace and democracy to be restored quickly.”