Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05CAIRO4024
2005-05-26 15:17:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Cairo
Cable title:
EGYPT: GAMAL MUBARAK AIDE ON REFERENDUM VIOLENCE
how-toThis record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
C O N F I D E N T I A L CAIRO 004024
SIPDIS
FOR NEA, NEA/ELA
NSC STAFF FOR POUNDS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/26/2015
TAGS: PGOV PREL KDEM EG
SUBJECT: EGYPT: GAMAL MUBARAK AIDE ON REFERENDUM VIOLENCE
REF: CAIRO 4005
Classified by Acting DCM Michael Corbin for reasons 1.4 (b)
and (d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L CAIRO 004024
SIPDIS
FOR NEA, NEA/ELA
NSC STAFF FOR POUNDS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/26/2015
TAGS: PGOV PREL KDEM EG
SUBJECT: EGYPT: GAMAL MUBARAK AIDE ON REFERENDUM VIOLENCE
REF: CAIRO 4005
Classified by Acting DCM Michael Corbin for reasons 1.4 (b)
and (d).
1. (C) ECPO Counselor raised the negative consequences of
the GOE's handling of violent incidents during Egypt's May 25
constitutional amendment referendum (reftel) with Karim
Haggag, a close aide to Gamal Mubarak, presidential son and
chair of the ruling National Democratic Party's (NDP)
Policies Committee. Counselor stressed that the violent
intimidation of protestors and journalists during the
referendum was contrary to basic principles of free elections
and the GOE's own stated goal of political reform. Counselor
stressed that the failure of security forces to protect
journalists and to prevent violence between NDP supporters
and opposition demonstrators boded ill for the campaign ahead.
2. (C) Haggag readily acknowledged that the incidents were
"ugly" and "extremely unfortunate" and said he would pass
U.S. concerns to Gamal Mubarak and other NDP leaders. He
said the he and others had urged the NDP not to hold
counter-demonstrations in reaction to the "Kifaya" movement's
protests precisely because of the potential for violence. At
the same time, Haggag complained that press reports had left
the impression that beatings of protestors and journalists
had been widespread throughout Egypt when in fact violence
had been limited to only a few incidents. Haggag did not
respond when Counselor expressed hope that the day's events
would convince the NDP leadership to rein in the party's
cadres.
3. (C) Comment: Haggag's response to the events was no
surprise, given that he and his boss represent the
reform-minded among the NDP leadership. It is not clear,
however, if they will be able to persuade the NDP old guard
to restrain the party's more volatile elements. End comment.
4. (SBU) Post will continue to make our concerns known to
other senior Egyptian officials.
Visit Embassy Cairo's Classified Website:
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/cairo
You can also access this site through the
State Department's Classified SIPRNET website.
GRAY
SIPDIS
FOR NEA, NEA/ELA
NSC STAFF FOR POUNDS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/26/2015
TAGS: PGOV PREL KDEM EG
SUBJECT: EGYPT: GAMAL MUBARAK AIDE ON REFERENDUM VIOLENCE
REF: CAIRO 4005
Classified by Acting DCM Michael Corbin for reasons 1.4 (b)
and (d).
1. (C) ECPO Counselor raised the negative consequences of
the GOE's handling of violent incidents during Egypt's May 25
constitutional amendment referendum (reftel) with Karim
Haggag, a close aide to Gamal Mubarak, presidential son and
chair of the ruling National Democratic Party's (NDP)
Policies Committee. Counselor stressed that the violent
intimidation of protestors and journalists during the
referendum was contrary to basic principles of free elections
and the GOE's own stated goal of political reform. Counselor
stressed that the failure of security forces to protect
journalists and to prevent violence between NDP supporters
and opposition demonstrators boded ill for the campaign ahead.
2. (C) Haggag readily acknowledged that the incidents were
"ugly" and "extremely unfortunate" and said he would pass
U.S. concerns to Gamal Mubarak and other NDP leaders. He
said the he and others had urged the NDP not to hold
counter-demonstrations in reaction to the "Kifaya" movement's
protests precisely because of the potential for violence. At
the same time, Haggag complained that press reports had left
the impression that beatings of protestors and journalists
had been widespread throughout Egypt when in fact violence
had been limited to only a few incidents. Haggag did not
respond when Counselor expressed hope that the day's events
would convince the NDP leadership to rein in the party's
cadres.
3. (C) Comment: Haggag's response to the events was no
surprise, given that he and his boss represent the
reform-minded among the NDP leadership. It is not clear,
however, if they will be able to persuade the NDP old guard
to restrain the party's more volatile elements. End comment.
4. (SBU) Post will continue to make our concerns known to
other senior Egyptian officials.
Visit Embassy Cairo's Classified Website:
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/cairo
You can also access this site through the
State Department's Classified SIPRNET website.
GRAY