The US State Department denied on Thursday reports that the Egyptian government refused permission to eight American nonprofit groups to operate locally.
“Our embassy in Cairo reports that they think it was bad reporting; that in fact, no decisions have been made by the Egyptians,” State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland told reporters.
Associated Press reported on Monday that the eight American nonprofit groups in question include The Carter Center, an organization headed by former President Jimmy Carter that monitors elections.
The licenses were denied because the groups' activities "breach the country's sovereignty," AP quoted a Social Affairs Ministry official as saying.
AP said that the official also warned that if any of the groups attempt to operate without permits they will be penalized in accordance with the law, which makes it unlikely that The Carter Center would be allowed to observe the upcoming vote.
