Egypt Rebuffs US Concerns Over Human Rights

Cairo, Egypt -- Egypt has rejected U.S. concerns over the recent cancellation of a human rights conference.

Activists call the move an example of Cairo's hostile attitude toward rights groups.

The conference was organized by Egypt's One World Foundation and scheduled for the last week of September.

It was expected to discuss limits on freedom of association in Egypt, and the Arab world more broadly, according to Washington based Freedom House, which was to take part.

It's not clear why the gathering was canceled two days before it was slated to begin.

The U.S. voiced concern this week over the conference's cancellation.

State Department spokesman Philip J. Crowley had urged Egypt to reschedule it and allow non-governmental organizations to operate freely.


(2010-10-03/digtriad.com)