The Foreign Ministry has slammed US Senator James Inhofe’s remarks made during discussions over a bill on military aid to Egypt, calling them unacceptable and tantamount to interference in Egypt’s internal affairs.

Inhofe called for an end to all military aid to Egypt, including cancelling a deal for F-16 planes already approved by the US administration.

“For decades, the US has had a good relationship with Egypt, training their troops and working together to maintain peace and stability in the region. Under Muslim Brotherhood President [Mohamed] Morsy, this relationship has come to a halt. We need to continue to support the Egyptian military, which Morsy and the Muslim Brotherhood have currently distanced themselves from. Egypt's military is our friend — Morsy is our enemy,” Inhofe wrote on his website in January.

The senator proposed conditions for continued military aid to Egypt, namely that Egypt should continue to abide by the Camp David Peace Accord, provide proper security at US embassies and consulates, end the systematic exclusion and silencing of minority political opposition, take concrete steps to engage in dialogue with such opposition parties and consider a coalition, power-sharing government with them.

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson criticized Inhofe for failing to recognize that Morsy is the nation’s first legitimately elected civilian president, and respect his position as the chief commander of the Armed Forces.  

Such remarks are irresponsible, and hostile remarks should not affect relations between Egypt and the United States, the spokesperson added.

Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm