CAIRO: U.S. Congressman David Dreir said yesterday that he plans to introduce legislation calling for the establishment of an Egypt-U.S. Free Trade Agreement. Dreir's comments came yesterday during a press roundtable held with Egyptian and international media. Dreir said he believes that “the notion of breaking down the tariff and non-tariff barriers will allow a free flow of goods and services between Egypt and U.S. [and] will go a long way toward boosting the economy of the United States of America as well as the economy of Egypt.” Dreir's visit was a part of a congressional delegation visiting Egypt and then Tunisia, Iraq, Lebanon, and Jordan. The delegation consisted of five congressmen: Dreir, Jim McDermott, David Price, Gwen Moore, and Keith Ellison. The delegation met former parliamentarians, leaders, human rights activists and presidential candidates during their visit. Dreir said the legislation is intended to ensure that Egypt and the U.S. strengthen both economic and social ties. “In light of the changes that are taking place, I believe we've laid the groundwork for negotiations” on an Egypt-U.S. FTA, Dreir said. He added that this is something both sides can make it happen. “My introduction of this resolution to the congress is also meant to send a signal to the people of Egypt that there is potential for a strong economic relationship beyond the aid,” he said. Dreir said he would like to see the U.S. provide zero direct aid to Egypt. “Everyone agreed with me when I raised that issue,” he said, “but that will only be able to happen if we have a kind of economic strength and development taking place.” “I would like to get to the point where we don't have to provide that kind of assistance, but it's not gonna happen over night,” he added. “We know that it's necessary today, for what I believe is if we could see a strong, vibrant economy in Egypt where there are so many potentials that… the need for foreign assistance [is diminished.]” Congresswoman Gwen, however, said there is no discussion about discontinuing aid to Egypt. Dreir said he supports the idea of trade not aid. “I believe that trade is the currency of friendship,” he said. The House of Democracy Partnership, which is a part of the delegation, focuses on development of parliaments in 15 emerging democracies, including countries with Muslim majorities, as Dreir told the press. He added, “We are so excited to be in Egypt. January 25 was a thrilling day not just for Egypt but for freedom loving people all around the world.” Dreir said the delegation raised the issues of media harassment and the Emergency Law with Field Marshal Hussein Tantawy, head of Egypt's ruling military council. The delegation also talked about the challenges that exist in dealing with the overall “security concern,” said Dreir. Asked if the House of Democracy Partnership would continue having dialogue with the Muslim Brotherhood if the group made it to parliament, Dreir said, “We've not made a decision.” The partnership is not a revolutionary organization, Dreir said. “What we are is [an] organization of the invitation of leadership of parliaments that are just getting started to help them in following their elections, share experiences, dealing with establishments of committee structure and the research studies, dealing with problems.” He said the partnership considers programs in cooperation with parliaments, such as the Egyptian parliament. “We are willing to work closely with the parliament here to consider the idea of a program in the future,” he said. Dreir said the partnership will be in conversation with the leadership of the next parliament and they will jointly make a decision. “We can't predetermine the outcome of the decision,” he said. Arabic here
