US embassy denies changing name of Egyptian play

Official sources in the US embassy in Cairo denied yesterday that the embassy intervened or used pressure to change the name of an Egyptian play to prevent embarrassment for US President Bill Clinton.

Meanwhile, the sources confirmed that the US embassy did not send any diplomatic notes or take any measures concerning the play, which refers to the US president and Monica Lewinsky, the heroine of the famous scandal named Monicagate.

The sources expressed their astonishment that the US embassy was mentioned in this respected, confirming that all that is attributed to the US embassy in this issue, contradicts basic US beliefs concerning free expression.

The Egyptian play, entitled Ana - Wa Merati Wa Monica (or "I and my wife Monica"), stars comic actor Samir Ghanem and actress Nermine El-Feky.