Bush praises Egypt’s progress toward ‘political openness’

SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt – President Bush, wrapping up a series of visits with Arab leaders who are working to expand their economies but wary of relaxing their grip on power, on Wednesday praised Egypt as making progress toward “greater political openness.”

He made no mention of the Egyptian government’s continued crackdowns on dissent and the jailing of an opposition presidential candidate.

With President Hosni Mubarak standing expressionless beside him, Bush said journalists and judges in Egypt were “insisting on independence” and, along with civic and religious leaders, were “determined to build a democratic future.”

He said the Egyptian leader had moved his nation toward “economic openness … and democratic reform.”

But, in a diplomatic nudge, he said: “My hope is that the Egyptian government will build on these important steps and give the people of this proud nation a greater voice in (Egypt’s) future. I think it will lead to peace, and I think it will lead to justice.”

Bush made no reference to the jailing of Ayman Nour after the dissident challenged Mubarak in the most recent presidential election, held in 2005. Mubarak has ruled Egypt since 1981.

Nor did Bush refer to any of the issues raised in the State Department’s annual report on human rights issued in March, which said of Egypt: “The government’s respect for human rights remained poor, and serious abuses continued in many areas.”

The president and Mubarak read prepared statements after a private meeting and lunch but did not take questions. Until hours before the two met at a lush resort here at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, it was uncertain that Mubarak would join Bush in delivering a statement. Once White House officials made clear that Bush would speak to reporters regardless of Mubarak’s plans, the Egyptian president agreed to participate. However, he spoke only briefly.

Bush left Washington on Jan. 8, first visiting Israel and the West Bank. He then began a series of meetings with hereditary leaders in Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia before arriving here Wednesday. He was scheduled to return to Washington on Wednesday night.