Anti-U.S. sentiment a concern in Egypt

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CAIRO, Aug. 11 (UPI) -- The U.S. State Department expressed concern about reports that foreigners, including U.S. citizens, are being questioned about why they're in Egypt.

"Let me say with regard to this kind of anti-Americanism that's creeping into the Egyptian public discourse, we are concerned," State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said Wednesday during a briefing in Washington. "We've expressed these concerns to the Egyptian government."

She characterized as "unacceptable" a published report that indicated Egypt's ruling military council was behind a negative campaign against Anne Patterson, the recently appointed U.S. ambassador to Egypt, and singling out a pro-democracy organization that receives money from the United States, describing both as traitors.

"We think this kind of representation of the United States is not only inaccurate, it's unfair," Nuland said.

"[Patterson] is one of our finest, most respected, most experienced ambassadors around the world," the spokeswoman said, "and she is in Egypt to represent U.S. policy and the American people's aspiration to support a strong, democratic, prosperous Egypt."

Nuland said Washington backed Egypt's move toward democracy, saying, "We will continue to be there for Egypt."