Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05CAIRO8875
2005-11-23 16:15:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Cairo
Cable title:
AMBASSADOR CAUTIONS INTERIOR MINISTER ON ELECTION
how-toThis record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available. 231615Z Nov 05
C O N F I D E N T I A L CAIRO 008875
SIPDIS
NSC STAFF FOR SINGH
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/23/2015
TAGS: PGOV PHUM KDEM EG
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR CAUTIONS INTERIOR MINISTER ON ELECTION
VIOLENCE
REF: A. CAIRO 8822
B. CAIRO 8786
C. CAIRO 8745
Classified by DCM Stuart Jones for Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L CAIRO 008875
SIPDIS
NSC STAFF FOR SINGH
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/23/2015
TAGS: PGOV PHUM KDEM EG
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR CAUTIONS INTERIOR MINISTER ON ELECTION
VIOLENCE
REF: A. CAIRO 8822
B. CAIRO 8786
C. CAIRO 8745
Classified by DCM Stuart Jones for Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (C) During a telephone conversation on November 22, the
Ambassador cautioned Egyptian Interior Minister Habib el-Adly
about the violence which accompanied the start of the second
stage of Egyptian elections on November 20 (reftels).
2. (C) After an initial discussion of the upcoming visit of
the FBI Director, Adly asked the Ambassdor for his views on
the progress of the People's Assembly elections. The
Ambassador replied that it is not what we think that is
important, it is what the Egyptian people think. The
violence in the second stage, combined with the procedural
lapses, have undermined public confidence in the balloting
process. This is a set-back for Egypt, after conducting
successful presidential elections and a relatively peaceful
first stage of parliamentary elections, albeit with
irregularities. The November 20 violence has made the NDP
look desperate, the Ambassador cautioned.
3. (C) The Ambassador added that having police stand by
during violent episodes was unhelpful. We appreciate the
efforts to ensure police "neutrality," but we would
nonetheless hope for greater security for poll workers and
voters in the November 26 runoff and the third stage, which
begins December 1. Bringing to justice those responsible for
instigating violence would also be important, the Ambassador
added.
4. (C) Adly took on board the Ambassador's points and thanked
him for the spirit in which they were conveyed.
5. (C) Comment: While the November 20 violence was most
likely not centrally orchestrated, we think it probable that
local NDP elites, in some cases cooperating with local
security forces, will instigate similar episodes during
runoffs on November 26. End comment.
RICCIARDONE
SIPDIS
NSC STAFF FOR SINGH
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/23/2015
TAGS: PGOV PHUM KDEM EG
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR CAUTIONS INTERIOR MINISTER ON ELECTION
VIOLENCE
REF: A. CAIRO 8822
B. CAIRO 8786
C. CAIRO 8745
Classified by DCM Stuart Jones for Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (C) During a telephone conversation on November 22, the
Ambassador cautioned Egyptian Interior Minister Habib el-Adly
about the violence which accompanied the start of the second
stage of Egyptian elections on November 20 (reftels).
2. (C) After an initial discussion of the upcoming visit of
the FBI Director, Adly asked the Ambassdor for his views on
the progress of the People's Assembly elections. The
Ambassador replied that it is not what we think that is
important, it is what the Egyptian people think. The
violence in the second stage, combined with the procedural
lapses, have undermined public confidence in the balloting
process. This is a set-back for Egypt, after conducting
successful presidential elections and a relatively peaceful
first stage of parliamentary elections, albeit with
irregularities. The November 20 violence has made the NDP
look desperate, the Ambassador cautioned.
3. (C) The Ambassador added that having police stand by
during violent episodes was unhelpful. We appreciate the
efforts to ensure police "neutrality," but we would
nonetheless hope for greater security for poll workers and
voters in the November 26 runoff and the third stage, which
begins December 1. Bringing to justice those responsible for
instigating violence would also be important, the Ambassador
added.
4. (C) Adly took on board the Ambassador's points and thanked
him for the spirit in which they were conveyed.
5. (C) Comment: While the November 20 violence was most
likely not centrally orchestrated, we think it probable that
local NDP elites, in some cases cooperating with local
security forces, will instigate similar episodes during
runoffs on November 26. End comment.
RICCIARDONE