A US-based International Republican Institute delegation on Monday visited the National Council For Human Rights (NCHR) to discuss Egyptian human rights and the council’s role in the parliamentary elections scheduled for 28 November.

Al-Masry Al-Youm was informed that the delegation met with the head of the parliamentary elections unit, Makram Mohamed Ahmed, and Mahmoud Karem, NCHR secretary-general, as well as council members Zeinab Radwan and Ebtesam Habib.

Sources said the delegation inquired about the council’s decision to deny international election monitoring.

Ahmed explained the council’s role in elections to the delegation. He also said that most Egyptians reject the idea of international monitoring.

“It’s a popular decision coming from people, not the state,” he claimed.  

The delegation also asked about the council’s stance on increased sectarian strife recently as well as reform measures taken against non-governmental organizations and fears of more restrictions on political activism.

In related news, Al-Masry Al-Youm was informed that Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials refused to meet a delegation composed of German parliamentary members visiting Cairo.

Translated from the Arabic Edition.