Drinks in Egypt climate talks are now free, jailed activists are not

But on another issue that could overshadow this year’s meeting in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh — the jailing of prominent Egyptian pro-democracy activists — Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said the government had not changed its stance.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Shukri lashed out at the media, saying “it has been decided that the issue of climate change is less important than the issue of food and drink for delegates and participants.”

He acknowledged the “glitch” and blamed it on the large number of participants on the first day of the conference and traffic delays due to VIP visits.

“We intervened and today all prices were cut by 50 percent, and out of courtesy and the president’s intervention, water and soft drinks will be provided for free,” Shukri told The Associated Press.

When asked about the case of Alaa Abdel-Fattah, who is undergoing treatment after a hunger strike due to imprisonment, Shukri offered no immediate relief.

“I am focused on highlighting the importance of the COP (climate negotiations) and trying to focus the attention of all parties, the international community and civil society on the existential challenges associated with climate change,” he said.

“I think it’s good for us to continue to focus on this issue. That’s why we’re here.”

Numerous foreign leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Schultz, raised the issue with Egypt during their visit this week. Such concerns could be a distraction from some countries failing to meet their climate commitments, Shoukry said.

“Other issues not directly related to climate can be a distraction and potentially mitigate the reasons for those who would rather focus on other issues to avoid having to deal with what they need to do, the way they need to meet their obligations and responsibility.”

“It’s up to the parties to focus on the issues that matter most to them,” he said.