Summary The aid helps protect Egypt's borders, and Israeli security against extremists in Gaza, says Kerry.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Obama administration has waived the conditional human rights string attached to Egypt s $1.3 billion in U.S. military support for 2013.
In a letter to Congress last month, Secretary of State John Kerry noted the Egyptian military s long partnership in promoting Mideast peace. He said aid helps protect Egypt s borders, Suez Canal shipping and Israeli security against extremists in Gaza and the Sinai Peninsula.
After Hosni Mubarak s overthrow in 2011, Congress mandated that assistance to Egypt be conditional on progress in on a democratic transition there. However, it allowed the administration to waive the requirement on national security grounds. Kerry s notification was first reported by the Daily Beast.
The U.S. has cited some democratic progress, but has consistently criticized the government s crackdown on democracy advocates and freedom of expression.
