Clinton sees resolution 'very soon' of Egypt and NGO worker standoff

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton signaled to Congress on Tuesday that the Obama administration anticipates a resolution soon of a standoff with Egypt over its decision to put Americans working for non-governmental organizations on trial. 
 
Among those facing trial is Sam LaHood, son of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and an employee of the International Republican Institute, which promotes democracy abroad.
 

“We are hoping to resolve these very soon,” Clinton told the Senate Appropriations State and Foreign Operations subcommittee.
 
Clinton refused to say whether she is able at this time to officially certify that Egypt is making progress toward democracy. Under current spending legislation, $1.3 billion in aid to Egypt depends on Clinton making that certification by April.
 
Asked by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Clinton declined to answer. Graham said Egypt's government should note that Clinton "didn’t say yes.”
 
This week an Egyptian court delayed action in the trial of workers from four American-backed organizations.

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