It is not in the interest of either Egypt or Lebanon to even consider the attempts carried out by those seeking to undermine or depreciate Egypt's role and its on-going quest to rescue Lebanon from the grips of a barbaric aggression. Such attempts, as irresponsible and irrational as they are, do only damage national interests. They ignore the fact that since Day One of the aggression, Cairo was the first to act to put an end to the tragedy using every ounce of its wisdom and holding contacts with international and regional parties towards that end. Egypt strives for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and will not waver until it achieves that goal, despite the clamor surrounding it.

With respect to the West-promoted new Middle East plan, Cairo has made its stance clear, well-acknowledged and well recognized by all. Egypt believes that the core of the Middle East crisis lies in the Arab-Israeli conflict. There will be no peace and no stability unless and until a just and durable solution is found for the Palestinian question. Nor will there be any peace or stability under Israel's aggression against Lebanon and under its occupation of the Golan Heights and other Arab territories.

It should be known that Egypt is bigger than to consider such pettiness. Its national role can never come under suspicion.

Mohammad Barakat
Al Akhbar