The Egyptian Foreign Ministry on Wednesday rejected statements issued by the US State Department and the White House denouncing violations in Sunday's parliamentary elections. Hossam Zaki, spokesperson for the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, said the statements represent unacceptable meddling in Egyptian internal affairs. The fact that the statements were issued before the official announcement of election results gives the impression the US is simply reiterating its negative and premature judgment of the Egyptian electoral process, Zaki added. He said Egypt is disappointed by US claims that authorities suppress basic freedoms and hamper media coverage of elections. Zaki called on the US to employ greater objectivity and caution in its positions and responses. The US said on Monday that reports of "irregularities" in Egypt's parliamentary elections raise questions about the "fairness and transparency" of the process. "We are disappointed by reports in the pre-election period of disruption of campaign activities of opposition candidates and arrests of their supporters, as well as denial of access to the media for some opposition voices," US State Department spokesman Philip Crowley said. He added that Washington was "dismayed by reports of election-day interference and intimidation by security forces."
