U.S. Embassy Cairo

18/07/2007 03:06:19 م
Amany El Sawaf : "A welcome reception” was a nice traditional in the American Embassy every new Academic year. It was a gathering of teachers from different parts in Cairo and we had a very nice time seeing and talking to each others, knowing what's up in our field and sharing a lot of thins. To cut short, this stopped after 11th of September. I wondered why? What is the relation between Egyptian English teachers and terrorists? I think Egyptian people love the Americans by nature or how can you explain the increasing numbers asking for emigration visa to the USA? Me myself I would if I had the chance. I think this small things at least affect my feeling towards the USA policy to consider all of us as suspected people.
I hope to forgive me for telling a lot but you gave us the chance.

Ambassador Ricciardone: Thank you, Amany, for your comments and questions. As a former teacher myself, I especially enjoy meeting Egyptian educators and exchanging ideas and experiences. With my modest experience of only a few years as a young teacher, and as a Fulbright scholar myself, I‘ve had a particular interest in increasing our educational exchanges and programs of all kinds. We’ll certainly see if we can do more, along the lines you propose.

Meanwhile, please know that the American Embassy in Cairo always welcomes educators like yourself, not just at an annual reception! Our Embassy is open for you year-round, either electronically through our website, or through our Information Resource Center. Additionally, you can contact our Regional English Language Office with specific questions and concerns. Today, our 'networking' with educators is done through our support for and exchanging ideas with the Fulbright Binational Commission, AMIDEAST, the American University in Cairo and many other Egyptian institutions.

Of course, like you we like to have direct, face-to-face conversations whenever we can do so. So, we have sponsored guest speakers for numerous university conferences, and we’ve provided many scholarships to study in the United States. I hope Egyptians who have studied or taught in the United States will share their American experience with everyone. In short, we would like to keep up our tradition of working together with you and connect with as many educators as possible through webchats, conferences and scholarships. All us teachers (and former teachers!) know that education is the future.

18/07/2007 03:06:51 م
mohamed abdel daiem saker : احب انا اشكر سيادة السفير فرانسيس علي المحادثة واحب انا اسئلة اولا نادي اصدقاء صوت امريكا والشباب الذين ينتمون الية لماذا لا ترعاهم السفارة وتجعلهم حلقة وصل بينها وبين الشباب المصري فتعمل لهم دورات في قيادة المجتمع المصري فهم اخذوا علي عاتقهم ان يوصلو رسالة موفدها ان الولايات المتحدة تحب الشعب المصري وتسموا بشبابة وشكرا

Ambassador Ricciardone: هذه فكرة ممتازة
رجاء الإتصال بالملحق الصحفي الأمريكي بالسفارة الأمريكية للتعرف على هذا النادي لمناقشة كيف يمكن مساعدتهم رجاء الإتصال بالمكتب الصحفي 27973344

18/07/2007 03:10:03 م
MOHAMED HASSAN : Good afternoon mr ambassador
first i wanna thank you so much cause you give us a chace to talk to you sir and thanks for your time
well you know about marriage in Egypt i mean to marry Egyptian and the USA embassy blame the Egyptian ministry of justice and the Egyptian ministry of justice as well
and i heard about the USA congress refuse to give the grant to Egyptian army so my question is do you think all that effect somehow in the Egypt-U.S. Bilateral Relations
thank you so much sir and thank you for your time
have a nice day

Ambassador Ricciardone: Hi Mohamed!
Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with me today! On your question about marriage in Egypt, this is an ongoing issue for us. You see, the Government of Egypt requests the U.S. Embassy to object or approve the marriage of U.S. citizens. The U.S. government does not have legal authority to neither approve nor object to the marriage of American citizens. Since we don't have that authority, we are unable to fulfill the Egyptian legal requirements for approval. We understand that American citizens may be inconvenienced by this problem and are continuing to pursue this with Egyptian officials.

On your question about military assistance, I would like to let you know that some members of congress have proposed that part of the annual military assistance from the U.S. to Egypt be tied to progress on human rights and securing the border with Gaza. This bill arose in the House of Representatives – the lower house. The Senate has made its own bill and did not attach the same such conditions. As the process goes, the two bills must be reconciled later this year, likely in October, and there will be a lot of discussion. The reason that some members of congress are proposing these conditions is that they are concerned about human rights in Egypt and also about border security at Rafah, especially in regards to smuggling. They want to help the Egyptian people. You should know, however, that the Bush administration opposes the condition. We think this should be a clean bill. That said, the Administration also supports human rights and tight border security.

18/07/2007 03:12:46 م
mohamed abdel daiem saker : اناعضوفي المركز الامريكي بلاسكندرية لماذا لا يشاركو اعضاء هذا المركز في المنحة المقدمة من مبادرة ميبي والسفر الي الجامعات الامريكية المعلن عنها في موقع وزارة الخارجية الامريكية وشكرا لسيادة السفير علي المحادثة

Ambassador Ricciardone: نحن نرحب بكم سواء أعضاء فى المركز الأمريكي فى الإسكندرية أو فى اي مكان اخر للإشتراك فى منح المبي برجاء زيارة المبي من خلال موقع السفارة egypt.usembassy.gov

18/07/2007 03:20:52 م
Ali Eid : SIR;COULD YOU TELL ME WHY YOU ARE INTERSTED IN VISITING Sofizm Mouldes in Tinta?Do you like folklore or you looking for new relationships with Sofizm people? iam from qena born beside side ABDEL rEHAM EL QENEY SOCIALIZED IN sOFIZEM CULTURE

Ambassador Ricciardone: Dear Ali, thank you so much for this question. I hear it often, and I suppose Egyptians are pleasantly surprised that a foreigner, especially an American Ambassador, is interested in the "Moulid" tradition and the Sufi religious tradition behind the "Moulid."

My interest comes both from my personal experience and belief, and my belief as an American and a professional diplomat, that religion and culture -- when thoroughly and properly understood -- are human phenomena that should bring us together and do bring us together in our common humanity, rather than divide us.

In my own case, I grew up in Italian-American immigrant neighborhoods, where we had lively public celebrations to commemorate certain favorite "saints." The celebrations involved some prayer and religious ceremonies, but also a lot of visiting among family and friends, music, food, lights and even fireworks... much like Moulids here! Moreover, within Christianity I believe there are traditions of belief -- founded in tolerance and love and a spiritual quest for truth and closeness to God -- that are very similar to core elements of Islam, of which Sufism offers a beautiful example.

18/07/2007 03:22:35 م
أشرف زاه: سيادة السفر: إلى أي مدى ترون نجاح العلاقات بين مصري وأمريكا؟

Ambassador Ricciardone: عزيزي أشرف

العلاقات المصرية الأمريكية علاقات استراتيجية و قوية وقائمة على الإحترام المتبادل. نختلف فى بعض ألأحيان ولكن هو اختلاف بين الأصدقاء. فنحن و مصر شركاء فى عملية السلام فى الشرق الأوسط فمصر محورية فى هذا الموضوع. ومثال اخر فرغم اختلافنا فيما يتعلق بمسألة العراق الا اننا الآن هدفنا واحد هو دولة عراقية مستقلة متحدة تحترم حقوق مواطنيهاوامن وحقوق الدول المجاورة.

18/07/2007 03:27:45 م
ابراهيم: انا مدير مشتريات احدي شركات الاستيراد وكان عندي سؤال بخصوص احدي الشركات الامريكيه تعرفت عليها عن طريق الانترنت هل يمكن الاستفسار عن تعاملات هذه الشركه وهل هي شركه فعليه ام وهميه، حيث ان هذه هي المرة الاولي للتعامل معها وهي طلبت ان يكون التعامل بعد دفع مبلع مقدم عن طريق التحويل المباشر.
اريد معرفه الطريق للتاكد من هذه الشركه.
شكرا لاهتمام سيادتكم.
وكيف يمكنني استقبال الرد.
هذا هو البريد الالكتروني الخاص بي ibrahimalm86@hotmail.com
مع جذيل الشكر والتقدير

Ambassador Ricciardone: عزيزي ابراهيم،
شكرا جزيلا على استفسارك. بالتأكيد نحن متحمسين لمساعدتك. نحن نشجع العلاقات التجارية و الإستثمارات بين مصر و الولايات المتحدة.
أنا أقترح الإتصال بالقسم التجاري مباشرة على رقم 27973300

18/07/2007 03:30:56 م
emad ezzat : هل تعتقد سيادتة السفير ان العلاقات المصريه الامريكيه تسير في الاتجاه الصحيح كشركاء في استفرار منطقة الشرق الاوسط وليس كتابع ومتبوع،وهل استقطاع جزء من المنحه الامريكيه شكل من اشكال التبعيه او اجبار مصر علي التبعيه المطلقه بفرض اننا تابعين وكما يقال دائما ولكن بصوره جزئيه

معذرة لطول السؤال
مع جزيل الشكر

Ambassador Ricciardone: مرحبا عماد وشكرا لسؤالك. كما قلت مرات كثيرة سواء علنا او بصورة شخصية ان علاقاتنا الثنائية قوية ومثمرة واستراتيجية وذات منفعة متبادلة. دعنى أقول لك انه لا يوجد اي اقتراحات من الادارة الأميريكية على المائدة لقطع المعونات عن مصر
ان الإقتراح الحالي لمجلس النواب تعليق 200 مليون دولار من المعونة العسكرية الأمريكية حتى تتقدم مصر فى مجال حقوق الإنسان ووقف تهريب الأسلحة الى غزة. لكن من المهم ان نوضح ان هذا المبلغ هو جزء بسيط من المعونة الأمريكية ككل ولا تمس بأي شكل من الأشكال المعونة الأمريكية الإقتصادية لمصر. وكقاعدة عامة فإن إدارة بوش تعارض اي شروط على المعونات بشكل عام. وسوف نرى ماذا سيحدث لهذه المسودة على مدى هذا العام ويجب ان تعلم ان مسودة المشروع المقدمة من مجلس الشيوخ لا تحتوى على هذه الشروط. وهذا يعنى ان مجلس الشيوخ والنواب يجب ان يحلوا خلافاتهم فيما يتعلق بمسودة هذا المشروع قبل نهاية هذا العام.

18/07/2007 03:38:02 م
Ezzeldin M Bassyouni : hello Can I send this search report to The Embassdor of USA in Cairo its mine.
It is about( 1-why did a lot of USA Aids and programmes to Egyptian secondary schools miss its targets to change, affect, or enhance thousands of students point of views towards USA and Egypt,USA and its way of life and culture? USA and its interests with Egypt.?
2-why alot of secondary schools teachers, managers, school adminestration work against USA policy and its aims to strenthen ties and co operation with Egypt.?
3- How could we make full use of millions of secondray school students to be agood base and bridgebuilding to strenthen ties between USAand Egypt? why this stage of education is vital and dangerous? how could we affect, redirect and activateUSA programme to it? how could we make sure that us aims and programmes will be COMPLETLY fullfill not just talk in vain.
If yes ready to lestin please let me know via ezzeldingem@yahoo.com
Ezzeldin M. Bassyouni
B.A in teaching English for secondary school /university degree
B.A in law /university degree
4 years in teaching in saudi Arabia
16 years in teaching in Egypt
in service training in UK
promoter of oriental handmade art carpets& rugs

Ambassador Ricciardone: I appreciate your asking about USAID education programs. I agree with you wholeheartedly that education programs and focus on students is extremely important. The goal of U.S. assistance in education is to raise its quality and availability, and thus to support Egypt in preparing her young people for fruitful, productive employment. We work closely with the Ministry of Education to define Egypt’s educational priorities, and to make sure our programs are producing good results. We also place a special emphasis on girls’ education, computers in the classroom, and textbook programs. I like your idea of including students in our efforts to build bridges between the U.S. and Egypt – and we do a lot of such programs! Some examples: One of our most successful and exciting programs is the AFS YES program, where Egyptian secondary students spend a year in U.S. high schools and live with American families. Conversely, American students come to Egypt for summer Arabic study at the Summer Language Institute. We support other bridge-building programs, such as i-EARN (International Education and Research Network) Egypt; Science and Technology Junior Scientist Visitor Grants; scholarships for undergraduate education in the U.S.; Middle East Partnership Initiative scholarships and educational programs, and so many more. We support summer camps, U.S. visitors programs to Egypt, Egyptian study tours to the U.S., and film festivals and special thematic programs for the public in both Cairo and Alexandria.

We also think of our programs in culture and entertainment as a means of “education,” too! We hope you’ll encourage all the young Egyptians you know, for example, to come to the huge “Ozomatli” concert in Alexandria (at Qait Bey) on July 29, and at Cairo’s Citadel on July 30.

There is a lot to say on this topic, so please visit our website where you can learn a lot more about all of these programs.

18/07/2007 03:42:45 م
: : :

Moderator: We would like you all to know about the variety of cultural and education programs we sponsor at the U.S. Embassy. For more details on any of these programs, please consult http://egypt.usembassy.gov/pa/pa_Progs.pdf

Exchange Programs: Central to Embassy public diplomacy activities are academic, educational, citizen, arts, and professional exchange programs. Partnering with the Fulbright Commission and AMIDEAST, we regularly conduct Citizen Exchanges, the Undergraduate Scholarship Program, and the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) study, business, legal and democracy exchange programs. Our largest exchange program is the International Visitor Program which sends scores of Egyptians to the U.S. each year for two to three week professional tour of the United States.

English Language Teaching Programs: The Regional English Language Office supports Egyptian and regional English Teaching professionals via materials, visiting experts, and other programs.

Information Programs: The Embassy has Information Resource Centers (IRCs) in both Alexandria and Cairo. Users are welcome to become members and use the IRC databases and research resources. The IRCs conduct specialized programs, such as hosting webchats, commemorative programs, specialized internet and online resource workshops for journalists, researchers, librarians, NGO managers, and other special interest groups, plus much more.

Speaker Programs: Our Public Affairs Section brings knowledgeable Americans with a wide range of expertise to engage with Egyptian audiences and share ideas and experiences. We have hosted professors, journalists, film-makers, imams, and many more.

Summer Camps: The State Department is providing additional support to U.S. Embassies to run summer camps for children in order to expose a wider and younger audience to American culture and values
Arabic Book Program: Our Arabic Book Program translates into Arabic significant works of literature by American authors in a variety of subject areas, including youth novels.

18/07/2007 03:43:19 م
eslam : سلام عليكم انا سعيد معالى السفير للتحدث معك اود معرفة مدى تاثير الضغوط الامريكية على مصر وهل ترى الادارة الامريكية التلويح بورقة المعونات يصلح مع دولة كبيرة مثل مصر ويليق بدولة عظمى مثل الولايات المتحدة وشكرا

Ambassador Ricciardone: أنا أيضا سعيد للتحدث معك اليوم.
دعني أقول لك اننا شركاء مع مصر و لا توجد ضغوط أمريكية على مصر إطلاقا. نحن ندعم المصريين ونشجعهم على بناء مستقبل افضل ، الشعب المصرى والمواطن المصرى هم الأساس. ونحن سنساعدكم وندعمكم فى كل المجالات لأننا مؤمنين بأنكم ممكن ان تتنافسوا على المسرح العالمى . وأنا شخصيا لا أرى اى ضغوط على مصر أنا أرى ان الولايات المتحدة تشجع وتدعم مصر . وانا متوقع مستقبل افضل بكثير لمصر خاصة فى مجال الديمقراطية وحقوق الانسان.
و المعونة الامريكية ليست ورقة سياسية . هناك هدف سياسى واحد هى ان تكون مصر دولة قوية ذات نفوذ فى المنطقة ولديها كل فرص العمل والتقدم والرخاء . فالحكومة المصرية هى التى تضع اولويات تنفيذ برامج المعونة الامريكية . وقد قمنا بتقديم المساعدات الاقتصادية طبقا للأولويات الحكومة المصرية فى مجالات التعليم والصحة وبرامج الاصلاح السياسى وكثيرا من المشروعات التى حددتها الحكومة . فمثلا مؤخرا قدمت الولايات المتحدة مبلغ 24 مليون دولار لدعم الحكومة المصرية من خلال وزارة الصحة فى مكافحة مرض أنفلونزا الطيور.
و المعونة الاقتصادية التى قدمتها الولايات المتحدة لمصر على مدى 30 سنه بلغت 28 مليار دولار أمريكى فى مجالات البنية التحتية والصحة والتعليم والبيئة وبرامج التبادل بين الشباب والتنمية بصفة عامة.
هذا الى جانب المعونات العسكرية حتى تكون مصر دولة قوية و مستقرة لأننا نهتم بإستقرار الأمن القومي فى الدول الصديقة فى جميع انجاء العالم .

18/07/2007 03:49:50 م
hesham kamal : سعادة السيد السفير في البداية أود ان اقول ان ملامح وجهك كانك شخص مقرب للذي ينظر اليك وهي ليست مجاملة لسيادتك
سؤالي : هو لماذا لا تقوم الشركات الامريكية بفتح مصانعها في مختلف المجالات بمصر مثل التي تفتح في البلاد الاسيوية لرخص العمالة بها كذلك هو الحال بمصر فمعدل الاجور منخفض مقارنة بالولايات المتحدة حيث انني اثناء زيارتي للولايات المتحدة سنة 1994 كانت معظم المنتجات الموجودة بالسوق مصنوعة خارج الولايات المتحدة وعند السؤال عن السبب عرفت انها بسبب رخص العمالة البشرية في هذة الدول وفي المقابل سوف توفر فرص عمل للمصرين وايضا موقع مصر الجغرافي اي يمكن تصدير هذة المنتجات لاي دولة حيث ان مصر تقع في منتصف العالم وبالتالي يسهل النقل وتكون المنتجات ذات جودة امريكية

Ambassador Ricciardone: أشكرك على كلماتك الرقيقة وهذا السؤال المهم.
سوف تكون سعيدا ان تعرف ان الولايات المتحدة اكبر مستثمر أجنبي فى مصر مطلقا. ونعمل على زيادة استثمارتنا هنا في مصر.
كما أن ما لا تعرفه ان هناك بعض شركات القطاع الخاص المصرية مثل النساجيون الشرقيون لديهم استثمارات كبيرة من خلال مصانعهم فى الولايات المتحدة التي يعمل بها الكثير من العمال الأمريكيين.
هذا المثال الأسيوى مثير للأهمية جدا. فالدول الأسيوية نجحت فى خلق مناخ للأعمال متكامل ادى الى جذب رجال الأعمال واصحاب المصانع الأمريكية . فمثلا: استطاع الأسيويون ازالة كافة العقبات التي كانت تواجه المستثمرين وكذلك ازالة كل انواع البيروقراطية وانعدام العمالة الماهرة. ومثل الحكومة المصرية، رحب الآسيويون بالإستثمارات الأجنبية والمحلية ولم يعتبروها مريبة او معادية لمصالحهم الشخصية والقومية كما يصرح بصوت عالي بعض المصريين السياسيين المهيجين للرأي العام . ومصر من ناحيتها حققت كثير من النجاحات فى السنوات القليلة الماضية خاصة فيما يتعلق بالإصلاح الإقتصادي فمصر تتحرك على المسار الصحيح لخلق مناخ مغرى للأعمال لجذب الإستثمارات الخارجية. انا كسفير للولايات المتحدة هنا،أشجع كثيرا العلاقات المصرية الأمريكية فى مجال التجارة والأعمال والفرص المتاحة القسم التجاري فى السفارة بقيادة عامر كياني ومعه عاملين متخصصين موجودين دائما لمناقشة فرص للتجارة مع مصر وأنا اشجعك على الإتصال بهم من خلال السفارة الأمريكية على رقم 27973300 وانا ايضا قمت بزيارة عدة مصانع امريكية

18/07/2007 03:52:13 م
Hanaa : Your Excellency, how do you see the issue of the USAID? Is it a US policy to agree on where the AID goes? Or should it be up to the governments to decide on ways of spending?

Ambassador Ricciardone: Thank you Hanaa. There is so much misunderstanding and misinformation about USAID. I've answered several questions in Arabic related to USAID, also. In general, the Government of Egypt sets its development priorities, and then sets specific program priorities. The United States, like other foreign donors, seeks to support the development priorities set by Egyptians themselves. Of course we do not have enough resources to do everything that Egypt would like -- or that we would like! So we must choose -- and we always do so in consultation with the Government of Egypt, Egyptian experts, and ordinary Egyptian citizens. We are partners in development.

18/07/2007 03:55:36 م
Mohammed Ibrahim Nosseir : Mr. Ambassador,

How can the Egyptian and the American Civil Societies help in boosting the Egyptian American relationship?

Best regards,
Mohammed Nosseir
Board Member of the Egyptian American Friendship Association

Ambassador Ricciardone: Mohammed! I didn't know you were a web chatter! I deeply value your personal contributions to Egyptian-American friendship, and those of all the members of that excellent private organization. As you know, I believe that contacts and relationships among private individuals, companies, and organizations are the real life blood of any bilateral national relationship. That's why our Embassy devotes so much attention to the private sector and civil society, as well as to our official business directly with the Government of Egypt.

18/07/2007 04:05:42 م
Khalad Salam : Hello Sir,
I would like to ask you whether you personally think that direct dialogue between the US goverment and the Muslim Brotherhood can help peace and democracy efforts in the Middle East or not? and why would not the US object to the military trials for MB members who are civilians? thanks

Ambassador Ricciardone: Thank you, Khalad, for that question on a subject that so many Egyptians ask me. It is obviously very sensitive.
It's the policy and practice of American diplomats all over the world to have contacts with private citizens, civil society groups, and political parties who obey their national laws -- even when we have very important differences of view. We apply the same policy and practices here in Egypt: certainly, we welcome contact with any member of the Egyptian Parliament who wishes to exchange views regarding American and Egyptian policies, on the basis of mutual respect. We agree with you -- this can only help advance peace and democracy, and certainly can do no harm to either Egyptian or American national interests.

The question of the use of military courts for political charges is a tough one. It seems to me that the most authoritative answer to this question must come from Egyptians. What do you think? I truly would like to know what Egyptians think about this question.

18/07/2007 04:10:04 م
محمد حسي: على اى اساس تنتقد الولايات المتحدة سياسة مصر الداخلية وهل هذا يدل على عدم الاحترام لهذة السياسة ام انها تتدخل من مبداء السلطة الكبرى فى العالم مما يعطيها هذا الحق فى التدخل ؟

Ambassador Ricciardone: نحن نتبادل الأراء مع الحكومة المصرية ولا نعنى التدخل. فمثلما تهتم مصر بما يحدث داخل الولايات المتحدة كدولة عظمى نحن ايضا نهتم بما يحدث فى مصر كدولة محورية فى الشرق الأوسط. فالعالم اصبح قرية صغيرة و كل دولة تتابع اخبار الدول الأخرى و خاصة عندما يكون لها وزن و ثقل سياسي و اقتصادي كبير كمصر.
فالمصريون و الإعلام الرسمي و المعارض و الحكومة تنتقد السياسة الأمريكية يومياونحن نستمع الى جميع الأراء دون ان نراه تدخلا.
وكما قال الرئيس بوش فى خطابه مؤخرا اننا نستطيع ان نتحمل الإنتقادات و الإختلافات مع أصدقائنا المقربين.

18/07/2007 04:23:29 م
Ibtesam Lotfy : US supports civil society in Egypt with large amounts of money, provides them with training in US universities. US also has strong ties with the ruling regiem. supports Mubark for more than 25years. what are the aims behind this? is it true that US using the soft power for changing the egyptian regiem?

Ambassador Ricciardone: Frankly, Ibtesam, I hope no Egyptians think that we are trying to "change the Egyptian regime." That is the sovereign right and responsibility of the Egyptian people alone, working within your own constitutional processes. In that context, we are proud to work with both the Government of Egypt, and Egyptian civil society as they struggle to bring about economic and political reform.

Take your media, for example. We Americans follow with great interest your debates about current issues, and especially your hopes for the future.

As to our relations with Egypt, they are not only strategic, they are also maturing in form. That is to say, I've noticed over my 30 years of experience with Egypt and Egyptians, that our relations are becoming more like our relations with other big and important states: the official government-to-government channels remain vital and important, but now, just as important, is the daily interaction among private Egyptian and American individuals, groups, companies, and institutions -- what we call civil society. That's where the real energy, vitality, and accomplishment lie in any bilateral relationship, and these power the official relationships as well.