Egypt: COP27 focus should be climate, not jailed activist

By FRANK JORDANS
Associated Press

SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt (AP) — Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry indicated no shift in position with regard to a jailed activist who is on a hunger and water strike. Egyptian authorities intervened medically Thursday, days after pro-democracy campaigner Alaa Abdel-Fattah stopped drinking water in prison. Asked by The Associated Press about the case, Shoukry made clear it was not a priority for him as chair of the 27th annual climate talks. Responding seperately to criticism from delegates about the difficulty and cost of getting food and water at the meeting, Shoukry said the Egyptian government had ordered the prices halved and soft drinks made free.