7 Americans held in Egypt returning home

CAIRO -- Seven Americans on trial over charges their pro-democracy groups fomented unrest flew out of Egypt yesterday after the United States posted nearly $5 million in bail for them and nine others who managed to leave before a travel ban was imposed.

The departure of the seven eased a deep diplomatic crisis between the United States and Egypt that had been building for two months following a crackdown on pro-democracy and human rights groups by the Egyptian government.

Though the Americans were safely on their way home, Washington indicated its anger over the affair has not abated. State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland pointedly noted that no decision has been made about U.S. aid to Egypt.

As the crisis unfolded in the past two months, furious officials, including Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, warned the $1.3 billion in military aid and $250 million in economic assistance slated for Egypt this year was in jeopardy. Nuland pointed out yesterday the court case against the pro-democracy groups is not over. The 16 Americans facing charges are not expected to return to Egypt, but their trial has not been called off.

One of the seven flying out of Egypt on a special plane to Cyprus was Sam LaHood, son of U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.-- AP