(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Egypt's Industry Minister Mahmoud Eissa on Thursday denied the government had entered into negotiations with former trade minister Rachid Mohamed Rachid about permitting the latter's return to Egypt following the repatriation of funds he sent abroad.
In September 2011, Rachid was sentenced to 15 years in absentia on graft charges related to the illegal sale of steel licenses. He was fined LE1.4 billion and ordered to refund the profits he illegally acquired through the sale of steel contracts.
Reconciliation with members of the former regime – many of whom are in Tora Prison or have fled abroad – will depend on the popular consent of the Egyptian people, Eissa said.
Last week, Finance Minister Momtaz El-Said revealed the government was talking with Mubarak-era officials, who had offered to pay back illegally acquired money in exchange for their freedom.
The minister said negotiations were underway with Ahmed Ezz, former tourism minister Zoheir Garana and former housing minister Ahmed El-Maghrabi.
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In September 2011, Rachid was sentenced to 15 years in absentia on graft charges related to the illegal sale of steel licenses. He was fined LE1.4 billion and ordered to refund the profits he illegally acquired through the sale of steel contracts.
Reconciliation with members of the former regime – many of whom are in Tora Prison or have fled abroad – will depend on the popular consent of the Egyptian people, Eissa said.
Last week, Finance Minister Momtaz El-Said revealed the government was talking with Mubarak-era officials, who had offered to pay back illegally acquired money in exchange for their freedom.
The minister said negotiations were underway with Ahmed Ezz, former tourism minister Zoheir Garana and former housing minister Ahmed El-Maghrabi.
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