AMP calls for end to military aid to Egypt in light of brutal violence

(CHICAGO 08/15/2013) -- The American Muslims for Palestine stands firmly for justice, everywhere. AMP offers our deepest condolences to the families of all the victims of yesterday’s violence and we offer our prayers for the hundreds who were brutally massacred by the Egyptian military and for their families. 

AMP, with its strong global social justice position, decries the use of violence against thousands of people who have been protesting peacefully for weeks in support of the democratic process, which the Egyptian military dismantled after its coup against Morsi and his government in July.  The solution to this crisis must be sought not by force but through political means for the safety and wellbeing of all Egyptians. 

On Wednesday, the Egyptian military used weapons and ammunition manufactured by American arms companies and supplied by the United States to kill hundreds of people who have been peacefully protesting the July 3 coup. This is unacceptable and in breach of the Arms Export Control Act, which stipulates that US weapons sold abroad may only be used in self-defense and not against a civilian population. 

Today, President Barack Obama strongly condemned the violence and said the US has canceled its annual joint military exercises with Egypt planned for the near future. We welcome his remarks but also assert that he did not go far enough.

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 – not a military intervention as President Obama characterized it today -- 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 financial support of the Egyptian military, especially now in light of yesterday’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 and pray for the victims and their families and for peace and democracy to be restored quickly. Furthermore, AMP calls for the release of all political prisoners and for the safety of all Egyptians, regardless of religion or sect.

Statement amended on 8/21/2013