US urges Cairo ambassador to 'abstain from political comment'

US Ambassador to Egypt Anne Patterson The US government has told its ambassador in Egypt to avoid commenting on Egyptian political affairs for fears of damaging relations between the two countries, diplomatic sources have claimed. Anne Patterson, the US diplomat in Cairo since 2011, refused to comment on the Egyptian government's recent cabinet reshuffle, and negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), describing them as "Egyptian affairs."
The sudden change in tone has surprised political observers, who say Patterson has not shied away from publicly sharing her opinions on Egyptian matters.
Diplomatic sources told Arabstoday that Patterson's recent statements about the return of military rule in Egypt and its negative effects on the Egyptian-American relations had sparked controversy.
Mohamed Samy, an Egyptian citizen, told Arabstoday that the American ambassador lost popularity among ordinary Egyptians due to her constant interference in state affairs.
Samy asserted that Patterson does not respect the sovereignty of the state of Egypt, and blamed tense relations between the Muslim Brotherhood and the US authorities for the diplomat's provocative statements.
Professor of Politics, Mohamed Salman, claimed that the US is uncertain about its relations with President Mohammed Morsi's establishment, and fears the American diplomat's statements would have a negative impact. He claimed that Patterson has previously spoken in favour of the Muslim Brotherhood.
Member of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs (ECFA), Mahmoud Zein told Arabstoday that Patterson's controversial comments forced the US State Department to take action and advise her to refrain from commenting on Egyptian issues.