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Friday, January 01, 1999
In statements exclusively given to Al Ahram and published on New Year's Day, President Mubarak gives his views on a number of internal and external issues. Iraq Egypt is doing its very utmost to eliminate the consequences of the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. We are much concerned over the suffering of the Iraqi people. However, we do not deal with the Iraqi regime; the regime which has not only failed to alleviate the suffering of its people, but is further adding to their misery On the Iraqi demand that no separating line be drawn between the Iraqi regime and the Iraqi people: This is unacceptable when Iraqi officials are inciting Arabs to revolt against their governments. This does not help the Iraqi people. At times of crisis, it would be wiser to mark your words and to rise to the level of responsibility. Now, has the Iraqi regime been able to patch things up with the Arabs; has it abandoned its ambitious schemes? Do Iraqi officials know how to conduct a dialogue? Do they know how to differ with the others? In the war with Iran and in the invasion of Kuwait, the Baghdad regime has sacrificed the very future, the very resources of its people by undermining their social and economic interests. It is time Baghdad assumed the responsibility for the suffering it has inflicted on its people. It is not our job to substitute for the Iraqi regime. But, it is Baghdad's job to make the decisions that are likely to protect its people's interests, not those which would endanger them. Arab summit On whether or not an Arab summit held to discuss the Iraqi crisis, Netanyahu's intransigence over the implementation of the Wye Agreement, and the Lockerbie problem would be well-timed? We do not object to the convening of a pan-Arab summit. However, plenty of preparation is needed to bring out concrete results. Failing preparations, the outcome will be nothing but more divisions in the Arab ranks. It is important for Arab Foreign Ministers to meet, first, to set the agenda of the topics to be dealt with. I believe an emergency summit should be convened to discuss one single topic. Two at the most. Still sound preparation is an important element, here, as well. Arab-Israeli peace process On the stalemate induced by Israeli PM Netanyahu's intransigence: It is important that the Wye Plantation Agreement reached between the Palestinians and the Israelis is implemented. The excuses Israel makes together with the upcoming Israeli elections due on a far-away date, can only complicate matters. As it stands, the situation may precipitate a resurgence of violence, and may increase tension and instability in the region. On whether or not Palestinian President Yasser Arafat will be able to declare a Palestinian state on May 4, 1999: The declaration of a Palestinian state is a pressing demand of the Palestinian people. It has also been provided for under the Oslo Accords. Egypt believes that final status negotiations should be initiated as soon as possible so that an agreement could be reached on the matter. While Palestinians could not unilaterally declare statehood, the Israeli governments continues to build settlements, unilaterally and unacceptably. On whether or not talks have been, or are being conducted secretly between Syria and Israel: Not that I know of. Egypt's relations with the outside world: The United States: There is no strain whatever in Egypt's relations with the US. As obvious, contacts are ongoing to serve the interests of the two sides. There will be differences at times, but this is case with international relations in general. Iran: My wish is for Egypt to maintain good relations with all countries of the world, including Iran. We have no quarrels with anyone. Europe Our relations with Europe are more than good. There are the problems, of course, which frequently arise between countries in the international community. These, however, no sooner arise than are resolved. The Egypt-EU partnership talks are on-going and we hope they would be soon soon finalized. The Sudan: There is nothing new in Egypt's relations with the Sudan except that we are trying to reach a formula to help achieve a reconciliation between the Opposition and the ruling party, there. Developments of the Syrian-Turkish crisis We have exerted enormous efforts to the bring the two parties face to face at the negotiating table where they have reached an agreement on a number of steps currently being implemented. It is important, for Egypt, that Arab relations with Turkey remain on friendly terms. Social and economic development in Egypt It is important that we pursue our implementation of the country's national mega-projects, in Aswan, Tushki, the Gulf of Suez and East Port Said. The prospects are that their effect will be both widely and deeply felt at all levels. That they are likely to change the very face of Egypt is by no means an overstatement. Besides generating a great many work opportunities, those projects will definitely help make our long-awaited Exodus out of the narrow strip of Nile Valley on which Egyptians have lived for centuries on end. New cities and new urban communities will be created. This, however, goes parallel with development efforts in all fields. It will naturally cost us a great deal. We will, however, make do with the resources available without inducing budget deficits and without resorting to unwarranted borrowing. We are also interested in encouraging the private sector. We are keen on introducing a second, and a third generation of businessmen to contribute to our development scheme. We want new blood and new enterprises. On whether or not Egypt will be affected by the decline in oil prices: The decline will no doubt affect our resources. However, we are currently looking for ways to offset the price drop whose impact on Egypt will, most probably, not be as strong as it is on other countries in the region. |
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