Egypt’s foreign ministry sharply criticised the US embassy in Cairo for advising citizens to avoid large gatherings in the capital until Sunday, calling the move “unjustifiable”. Thursday was a public holiday in Egypt, in celebration of Armed Forces Day. The foreign ministry said it had expressed dismay to the embassy because such “unjustifiable warnings” could have negative effects, especially on the economy. The attacks have dented the recovery of tourism after a 2011 uprising drove away tourists, a major source of hard currency. Import-dependent Egypt is facing a dollar shortage that has stifled business activity and hit confidence in the economy.

Source: The Guardian October 08, 2016 14:01 UTC