The situation in Egypt continues to be fluid. As of Tuesday of this week, U.S. Grains Council staff in Cairo reports that the streets are quieter, people are beginning to venture out, and local stores seem to be well stocked with food for Ramadan, which began Monday. The political situation, however, remains unpredictable, as all parties continue to discuss their next steps following the army’s ouster last week of Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi.

For the safety of staff, the U.S. Grains Council office in Egypt was closed following the army’s intervention on July 3. The political situation is in flux as the interim government works to form a new cabinet, a process which creates a decision point for political factions in Egypt to either join or reject the new government. While all plans are subject to day-to-day review, the Council currently expects that its Cairo office will reopen on Sunday, July 14.