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July 15, 2004
Orthodox Union Disappointed at Failure of Lantos Amendment
Urges Re-introduction and Passage Soon
The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America today
expressed disappointment at the failure of the House to pass the
Lantos amendment to the Foreign Operations bill that would shift a
portion of aid to Egypt from military to economic assistance.
Egypt’s engagement in a military build up amid a lack of serious
enemies in the region has been a cause for deep concern. There has
been a pronounced increase in Egypt's supplementation of its armed
forces, including eleven new navy battle units and other weapons
procurements. Despite the fact that Egypt signed a peace treaty
with Israel in 1979, Egyptian military exercises are geared toward
an Israeli “enemy” that does not exist.
We believe that the peace between Egypt and Israel should
continually be strengthened, not undermined by arms build-ups or
other threats such as the tunnels through which arms are smuggled
to Gaza. The Egyptian people, who suffer great economic hardship,
should continue to be supported with American assistance that will
convert 1.3 billion dollars in annual U.S. military aid to
economic assistance. This would not only be of enormous help to
the Egyptian people, it would enhance the conditions for stability
and peaceful coexistence in the Middle East.
We hope that the measure will be re-introduced and passed at an
opportune time in the near future.
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