CAIRO, (Reuters) – The government of embattled Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak hit back yesterday at what it called U.S. attempts to “impose” American will on a loyal Middle East ally, saying rapid reforms would be too risky.
But as pro-democracy protesters consolidated a new encampment around Cairo’s parliament building, the White House again said that Egyptian ministers must do more to meet the demands of demonstrators, who want an immediate end to Mubarak’s 30 years of one-man rule and sweeping legislative changes.
Interviewed by U.S. broadcaster PBS, Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit — a survivor of the reshuffle Mubarak undertook in a vain attempt to staunch the protests — said he was “amazed” by U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, who had urged an immediate end to the emergency law Mubarak has long used to curb opposition.
“When you speak about prompt, immediate, now — as if you are imposing on a great country like Egypt, a great friend that has always maintained the best of relationship with the United States — you are imposing your will on him,” Aboul Gheit said.
The new friction in an alliance long nurtured with billions of dollars in U.S. aid was a reminder of how much has changed in Cairo in two weeks, of how much is uncertain both of Egypt’s future and the future of U.S. influence over a Middle East whose autocratic rulers are struggling to contain social discontent.
The benchmark Brent crude oil price rose nearly 2 percent yesterday, ending the day at $101.82.
Since protests began on Jan. 25, partly inspired by the overthrow of another Arab strongman in Tunisia, U.S. President Barack Obama’s administration has trodden a sometimes hazy line between support for a key ally in Washington’s conflict with militant Islam and backing for those demanding democracy.
It has stopped short of endorsing calls for Mubarak, 82, to quit immediately. He said last week he would step down in September when an election is due. But U.S. officials have also voiced irritation with the pace of promised reforms, supporting the protesters in their hope of immediate, concrete change.
White House spokesman Robert Gibbs noted that the number of Egyptians on the streets still appeared to be growing:
“What you see happening on the streets of Cairo is not all that surprising when you see the lack of steps that their government has taken to meet their concerns,” he said.
