A senior US link general told Congress Tuesdaythat the United States will sell Egyptlink advancedF-15 fighter jets link, despiteconcerns in Washington over Cairo’s human rights record.

“In the case of Egypt link, I think we havegood news, in that we are going to provide them with F-15s, which was along, hard slog,” Central Command head General Frank McKenzie told theSenate Armed Services Committee.

He did not provide details on the sale, and the State Department, which hasto sign off on it, has yet to officially notify Congress of a sale, as itis required to do.

“We don’t speak to potential arms transfers or arms sales until and unlessthey’re notified to Congress,” said State Department spokesperson Ned Price.

In January the US link announced approval oftwo major military equipment sales to Egyptlink, covering 12 C-130 J Super Herculestransports and accompanying equipment, worth $2.2 billion, and ground-basedair defense systems worth $355 million.

But the State Department last year put on hold $130 million worth ofmilitary aid to Egypt link, because of lackof improvement in the human rights situation in the country. APP/AFP