State Information Service- Speeshes - <BR>President Mubarak’s Speech <BR> on the Occasion Marking<BR>The Glorious July Revolution

Tuesday, July 23, 1996

President Mubarak’s Speech
on the Occasion Marking
The Glorious July Revolution

Brother Citizens,

Today we commemorate the Glorious July Revolution anniversary, this great event which has changed life in Egypt and the Arab world. It brought about significant transformations in Middle East history, and paved the way for numerous peoples to obtain their rights to dignity and honour after long suffering from oppression and exploitation.

The July Revolution has been linked to major events which formed an important crossroad in the history of human struggle rendering it one of the greatest revolutions and most influential in the world.

The Glorious July Revolution confronted colonialism and foreign domination not only in Egypt but in the entire Arab world, in Africa and along the Third World. It bore the brunt of liquidating all types of foreign exploitation and oppression, shattered foreign military pacts, liberated the national will of small and medium size countries, and championed the right of all nations and peoples to self-determination.

Despite the elapse of almost half a century since the inception of this historic event, yet its human value is still honoured by numerous peoples who evoked the July Revolution struggle and considered it a model of the struggle of a time-honoured people who aspires for the independence of national will, the elimination of foreign domination, a dignified homeland in which every individual enjoys his right to justice and equality and liberate himself from the yoke of exploitation and preponderance.

In defence of its principles, the Egyptian revolution has waged war both at home and even more ferocious abroad reaching its apex in the 1956 Suez War when it forged a wonderful epic of struggle that changed the world map and differentiated an entire epoch.

In essence, the Revolution was a national struggle by a group of devoted sons of Egypt, who emerged from the ranks of the armed forces willing to sacrifice for the aspirations of their people after injustice and oppression prevailed , the dignity and rights of the people were shattered, the country was devastated by chaos foreboding a civil war in the wake of the Cairo fire.It was evident that the old regime was collapsing and was in the throes of death amid an eerie political vacuum.

In a matter of hours, the people advocated the aspirations of the revolutionary vanguards and the Revolution became an overwhelming popular movement embodying the dreams of Egyptians for a dignified homeland, free from occupation which restricted and hampered its will. A homeland without a manipulating minority that disregards the people's interests and rights, and corrupt parties allied to colonialism and royalty.

The July Revolution was not based on a partisan or ideological grouping, but emerged from the devoted patriotism of a group of free officers led by Egypt's loyal son Gamal Abdel Nasser.

The Free Officers preserved the independence and distinguished character of their Revolution away from partisan currents which were disintegrated and corrupt, and far from the rigidity of theoretical beliefs that were incompatible with Egypt's civilizational and cultural heritage.

Through this correct beginning, the Revolution maintained its unique potential to deal with reality in a vital and creative way, with an open mind that rejects rigidity and inertia, and differentiates between established facts related to certain principles that should not be tampered with and variables which require flexibility and initiation.

Despite all the variables of our era, the July invariables, are still a cherished part of the conscience and heart of the Egyptian people. n fact, some of them have become part of a more comprehensive human struggle because the Revolution signifies the government's strict adherence to the interests of the majority, to social justice, to preserving the independence of national decision, to comprehensive development, in order to attain real progress. It also signifies that Egypt should have a strong army which defends its peace, security and interests. It promotes nationalism because Egypt can only be an integral part of the Arab world.

A thorough and sincere understanding of the July Revolution dimensions makes it incumbent upon us to perceive its course in the light of the political situation which prevailed in the middle of the 20th century, and the great difficulties it had to face due to international polarization and the Cold War which divided the world into two opposing blocs and spheres of influence. However, the Revolution was keen on maintaining its national independence, and managed to choose for itself as well as for the Third World a different course away from the conflicts of blocs and alliances.

It is definitely unfair to use today's criteria in an assessment of the events of a Revolution that took place 44 years ago, in extremely difficult circumstances that forced it to enter into continual battles at home and abroad in defence of its principles.

It would be equally unfair to confine that rich human experience to rigid frames in order to make of it a sanctified theory of ruling and revolution whose stipulations should be strictly observed. That is utterly unfair for a revolution characterized by its excessive ability to develop and continue to rectify its course in order to be a true expression of age.

Likewise, it would be extremely unfair to Egypt and its people to have the Egyptian Revolution confined, by its supporters and opposers, to the past in a rigid historical and limited scope. Some might insist on becoming even with the Revolution from a vindictive standpoint away from objectivity and reason. Others might seek to place it unjustly in frames of rigid beliefs so as not to keep pace with the present age with its regulations and woes. The natural outcome of these two standpoints is to limit the revolution to a short period of time and make it incapable of responding to the circumstances and changing priorities of the age, or differentiating between what is strategically invariable and what is tactically dependent on certain situations and circumstances.

These rigid and limited viewpoints render the country incapable of proceeding towards the future at a time of a rapid race to realize revival and progress in the various walks of life, in production and services, in systems and techniques, in science and knowledge, and in the volume of information available to all categories of the people as they proceed towards the future. Hence, it is incumbent on us, as it is on others, to break loose from the shackles and battles of the past, and to direct our potentials towards a better future and a happier morrow in order to occupy a suitable position among nations, worthy of our heritage and great civilization, and of the message of this people who brought to humanity its first encounter with progress.

Brothers and Sisters, Our celebration this year of the glorious July Revolution comes in the wake of a great event which had widescale repercussions throughout the Arab world from the Atlantic Ocean to the Arab Gulf, and in the four corners of the world. We thank God for the united Arab stand and solidarity following long years of laceration. We thank God for clearing the Arab atmosphere once again in Cairo, and restoring detente, solidarity and a unified stance in order to confront the challenges of a new era, and present a concurrence of views for a comprehensive and just peace which is the only way towards security, stability and development.

Truly, I had no doubts whatsoever that the Arabs would restore their solidarity on a true and firm basis that requires candour before reconciliation, lays new foundations of joint action, draws up regulations agreed upon for upright Arab behaviour that will protect national interests, and preserve the intrinsic Arab values, that are capable of dealing with the exigencies of the age and its renewed challenges.

Those who imagine that working for the restoration of Arab solidarity was merely a reaction to the variables which have recently taken place in the region, are mistaken. The call for restoring solidarity preceded these variables by many years. It actually stemmed from the awareness of danger witnessed by the world with the advent of the 21st century and the fierce challenges facing the nation at this critical stage of its history. Such developments and challenges require utmost solidarity and coordination among our policies and measures adopted, so long as we agree on a unified objective and destiny.

Solidarity, coordination and integration are among the rights of all peoples and nations. As for the Arabs, they are indispensable and are a natural response to a unity of history and a joint destiny. So why should we have fears of any efforts to promote Arabs ties ?

Why can't some accept the fact that the Arab meet to discuss matters related to their lives and future, and to cooperate seeking a better position ?

Despite numerous discrepancies among them, other countries have coordinated their efforts, advanced their cooperation in an integrated plan, seeking their joint interests and furthering their ability to deal with other international powers on the basis of equality and a balanced policy.

The Arabs did not meet to encroach upon the rights of anyone, or adopt an aggressive policy that would renounce peace or hinder it.

The Arabs did not meet seeking to wage war or renew a conflict, but rather they met to protect the peace process from serious dangers which might lead to the escalation of violence once again, thus pushing the region into the abyss of destruction instead of directing its resources and potentials for reconstruction and progress.

We are fully confident that the Arabs through their solidarity are capable of rectifying the peace process so that it may move towards realizing its goals after restoring the correct terms of reference. Recent weeks witnessed intensified efforts to support the equal and just peace process based on the principle of Land-for-Peace in compliance with the Egyptian policy aiming at realizing stability in the wide Middle East region. Thus, Egypt called for an Arab summit which was successful in all ways and in which the positive Arab power pronounced peace an Arab strategic option-adding that regional security is unreachable unless all equally feel secure without discrimination or exception. This is the Egyptian political attitude which aims at securing the interests of all the Arab and non-Arab parties in the Middle East, granting security and stability to their peoples.

I, in my capacity as Chairman of Arab Summit, exerted every effort to save the peace process from the hardships caused by developments on the Israeli side. In this respect, I received the new Prime Minister of Israel to discuss with him bluntly and candidly the dangers encircling any recession policies or fait accompli practices, I concentrated on the necessity of redressing matters and creating the suitable circumstances and atmosphere for resuming dialogue and negotiations between the concerned parties, within the agreed upon framework, on the basis of the peace process principles, on top of which is Land-for-Peace principle and emanating from the obligations of the concluded agreements especially between the Israeli side and the Palestinian one.

The most important results of the Israeli Prime Minister's recent visit are that he realized the necessity of dealing with the Arab side as a full-footing partner whose interests will be achieved as much as the Israeli interests will be also achieved, and the necessity of going ahead without backtracking or slowliness, and that security has its importance through making it available to the whole.

I notified him of the Arab Summit's resolution that the Arabs' hand is open for peace as much as Israel does and that they are serious in going on the process to its terminal which realizes a historical reconciliation between the Israeli people and the Arab peoples, including the Palestinian one who has the right to practise its self-determination over its land in Palestine and the Holy Jerusalem with its ancient history contributed by Arabs, Muslims and Christians in undeniable way, the thing which should be reflected on any final peace document.

Through this primary vision proposed by Egypt and unanimously agreed by all the Arabs, the Arab states take unhesitating steps on the road to realize their legitimate and equitable goal, away from domination, hegemony and oppression, and to enable all the peoples in this region to play their roles, materialize their entities and protect their interests, according to conventional rules of co-existence and relationships between nations, and according to principles put by the World Community after sorrowful experiences and history.

Brothers and Sisters,

The Cairo Summit has resuscitated the Arab League and laid down the foundations of a new initiative for joint Arab action in the interest of all. However, the outcome will continue to be contingent upon benefitting from past experience and its lessons.

Reconciliation and solidarity will not be fructified without the sincere and strict commitment of all Arab parties not to make their homelands sanctuaries to terrorist groups giving them support, refuge and weapons to satisfy their wicked stratagems which do not serve any Arab aim.

Reconciliation and solidarity will be of no avail if all do not decisively renounce the use of force, violence and coersion to settle Arab problems.

Reconciliation and solidarity will be useless if Arab behaviour is not strictly committed to borders that prevent the interference in the affairs of others, do not victimize harming the interests of any Arab party and reject the policy of axes and give top priority to the high Arab interests which are the aspired for hopes.

Therefore, reconciliation is not merely a bright slogan raised and hollow words repeated, but rather a committed and regulated behaviour, away from all sorts of manoevering and deceit. It is a cohesion of words and deeds, slogans and action, reality, dreams and hopes.

We thus are not deceived by words and promises. We will only judge matters from tangible action and firm behaviour. The future of peoples has no place for gambling and risks. It is based on concrete facts and a sound basis at which there is a balance between the rights and commitments of each party and the pledges and rights of others. All these are objective elements that are subject to a sound and reasonable assessment which is not influenced by passion and does not emanate from whims.

As these rules prevail in Arab family relations and dealings, they are likewise applied in our relations with neighbouring non-Arab parties.We pass our judgments on their dealings and concrete acts and not on their sayings and statements which in many cases hide different intentions that totally oppose and contradict them. However, we are capable, thank God, of distinguishing between the good and the vile, the useless and valuable, the true and the deceitful. We only base our judgements of matters on clear-cut objective criteria and strict commitment to truth whatever they may be acrimonious or hurting.

Brothers and Sisters, Our efforts in the international arena are complementary to those exerted at home for the sake of improving life in Egypt under true democracy that has become more vast and deeper, for both development and peace go hand in hand. Peace is the interest of both Egypt and the peoples of the region.

We look forward to reaping the fruits of the present stage of national action where development rates are accelerated securing an increase in individual income consecutively, providing new and honest job opportunities for every Egyptian, upgrading basic services especially in the spheres of education, culture, technology, health and population and keeping abreast of the information revolution which has become the infrastructure for any progress. All these tasks are difficult to attain in the absence of a comprehensive peace which guarantees the stability of the region, paves the way for more investment rates, and secures the orientation of all potentials towards construction, glory and progress.

Brothers and Sisters,

We are now at a difficult crossroad, but I am confident that peace will prevail despite difficulties and impediments.

Peace creates security, adopts credibility building measures, defeats extremist claims and besieges terrorism, hatred and malice. Our task as Arabs is to strive for a comprehensive and just peace, defend it and mobilize all peace-loving peoples to champion it.

We do not seek confrontation or conflicts, but rather we advance solidarity and preserve it by all means in order to strengthen and deepen it, because Arab solidarity is capable of rectifying our march.

Thus we can say that we have continued the struggle which sparked on July 23 rd 1952. We have maintained the noble objectives which have driven our revolutionary heroes to endanger their lives for the sake of the dignity of the people and the glory of the homeland. Likewise, we may say that we hope to complete the march of progress and construction which constitutes a solid rock on which any achievement, whether at the national, regional or international levels, is based.

I ask God Almighty to guide our path, advance cooperation among our peoples, lead us to justly judge among our peoples and give us the strength to champion love, welfare and peace.

May God's peace, blessing and mercy be upon you.


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