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Egyptian Diaspora Launch The Tahrir Square Foundation as a Non-Government Organization Dedicated to Development in Post-Mubarak Egypt

"It has been nearly six months since Mubarak stepped down, and it is clear that Egypt faces many challenges on its path to democracy and economic recovery. With eight million Egyptians - nearly ten percent of the country's population - living overseas, the Egyptian diaspora can play an important role during this critical period and beyond," said Ahmed Fattouh, CEO of Landmark and Globalist Funds in New York, and Chairman of the Tahrir Square Foundation.

In a speech he gave in Tahrir Square on the eve of Mubarak's step-down in February, Fattouh pledged to muster the support of Egyptians overseas. He returned to Egypt in July and met with interim government officials, emerging leaders of parties and youth movements, as well as local NGO's to discuss specific avenues for cooperation.

Immediate aims include mobilizing financial resources to promote the development of a democratic, civilian state and acting as a credible bridge to the outside world during a time of heightened mistrust of foreign influence. The Foundation also hopes that the Egyptian diaspora can help offset the impact of the "brain-drain" of officials and businessmen too closely affiliated with the old regime. "Many Egyptian immigrants to the Americas and Europe have previously tried to re-engage with their homeland only to be put off by corruption or bureaucracy. Now is the time to do something about it," Fattouh added.

In addition to Mr. Fattouh, the Tahrir Square Foundation's Steering Committee includes influential members of the Egyptian business community in the U.S. and Canada including Amr Nosseir, Mona Abouelnaga, Hythem el Nazer, Kareem Abdel-Kouddous and Wael Mohamed.

For additional information visit www.thetahrirfoundation.org or contact info@thetahrirfoundation.org.

The Tahrir Square Foundation, Inc.
Ahmed Fattouh, 212-960-3252
Fax: 212-202-3795
Email: info@thetahrirfoundation.org
Twitter: @TSqrFoundation