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Thursday, July 22, 1999
Fellow Citizens, Today, 47 years, nearly half a century, have elapsed since the break out of the glorious July Revolution, yet it still represents a monumental turning point in the history of Egypt and the whole Third World. The revolution coincided with enormous events that constituted a significant phase in the history of human struggle for freedom and dignity and against exploitation, colonization and oppression. The influence of the revolution extended beyond Egypt and the Arab world, to become a symbol of the struggle of many peoples in different parts of the world striving for their national independence and free will. The July Revolution embodied the aspirations of a new era, that calls for eliminating colonization, liberating peoples and respecting their right in self-determination, independent national decision and opting for their suitable political and social system that realizes their legitimate aspirations. It was, by all criteria, a crowning of a long strife by the Egyptian people in defense of its right in a dignified homeland. The bloodless July Revolution was shouldered by sincere sons of Egypt in the armed forces, led by Egypt’s faithful son, the immortal leader Gamal Abdel Nasser. The revolution inspired its deep-rooted fundamentals from the struggle of Egyptians throughout their modern history when successive generations raised its banner and led the combats of national struggle and carried the banner of human strife for the sake of the most grand goals and noble objectives. In spite of the variables of our present age, the July Revolution will remain a main constituent of the people’s conscience and sentiments, since the revolution’s genuine essence means partiality of the rule to the interests of the great masses of the people and the safeguard of an independent national decision, as well as the commitment to the comprehensive development so as to realize a real progress in the life of the society, in addition to holding a powerful army that protects Egypt’s security and interests. However, a sincere and objective understanding of the July Revolution dimensions makes it incumbent upon us to perceive its course in the light of its true historical context and the political reality that had existed in the middle of the 20th Century, besides the great difficulties it faced under the circumstances of severe international polarization, the cold war and a world consisting of two conflicting blocs dividing areas of influence between them. Long time has passed since the July Revolution, witnessing great events and developments that deeply changed the world. International and regional conditions are different from that of the mid of the 20th Century; the era of international polarization has come to an end; the age of dogmatic ideologies has collapsed; the power equilibrium has changed in the new world order. The increasing effect of technology, communication and information has shortened the distances, removed intellectual and geographical barriers particularly in the fields of economy and trade so that the world is said to be one big village. A new vision has dominated the international relations in which forms of wars and violence have changed, tendency to solving chronic disputes through dialogue and negotiations, and the acceptance of compromises have increased. No doubt, reality variables affect the movement of history and the march of peoples, as history does not repeat itself nor its old episodes but proceeds forward, learning from the events of the past and its lessons. Among the advantages of the July Revolution is the reluctance of confining its experiences into sturdy theoretical forms nor dogmatic ideological concepts; but it was very keen to distinguish between the invariables which should not be renounced and the variables that should cope with the demands and requirements of development. In this age, where priorities have changed and the real objective is realizing sustained development which generates new job opportunities and raises the income of individuals, the role of the private sector as to effecting development should not be relinquished, because the government should not be a substitute for the worker, the farmer or the merchant. Nevertheless its role is still fundamental and vital in drawing up development policies and programs and setting up the regulations necessary for the protection of the society and realizing equilibrium among its different categories. And, in an age of intermixed international interests, unified world trade standards and intense market competitions, it has become impossible for any country or people to live in an isolated island, separated from other states and the international community. Brothers and Sisters, The Egyptian people has maintained the essence of the July 23,1952 Revolution and preserved its invariables, but it retained the freedom of movement, initiative and readjustment of the course; consequently, the people abandoned some practices that are no more fit for the present circumstances and aligned itself with the core principles that call for sustained development, social justice, independent national decision and abiding by a just peace secured by a national retaliatory force. We are focusing on sustained development considering it the cornerstone in the philosophy of rule, because development is the real support and guarantee to the independent national decision. It is also the only way to create opportunities of productive employment that absorb 1.5 million of the young Egyptian generation. We are aspiring to increase the rate of development to more than six percent, along with continuing our capability to curb inflation so that Egypt would attain an advanced position among middle-income countries. Our constant adherence to a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East is not less important. This is to settle the Arab-Israeli conflict in a way that strikes a balance between the rights and duties of all parties. This would enable Palestinians to establish their independent state over their land, Syria to regain the Golan Heights, achieve the Israeli withdrawal from the land it occupies in South Lebanon, and reshape the relations among countries of the Middle East and its peoples on new bases. These new bases would guarantee joint cooperation, mutual security, and declare the area free of mass-destruction weapons. We will carry on our efforts to push up the peace process, hoping to get it out of the standstill state that has continued for three years and guarantee security, peace and stability to all parties. Brothers and Sisters, We deeply hope that reason and wisdom will prevail; the will of peace will triumph as the Middle East peace will benefit all countries of the world and all peoples in the region. The Region has recently witnessed some developments , enhancing our hopes, restoring confidence in the success of the peace process. For, the peoples of the region have realized, after the experiences they have gone through, that settling disputes, establishing comprehensive and just peace all over the region, is the only way to protect the interests of all peoples without exception. Under the umbrella of peace, Egypt has directed huge amount of its resources to renovate its infrastructure which has been exhausted along years of struggle. It has proceeded forward on the path of economic reform through a successful national program which has made it a significant national and Arab investment-attracting area. This program has enabled Egypt to implement three development plans which have changed the mode of life in Egypt. Moreover, it has given chance to start a number of new mega-projects that will change Egypt’s demographic map and spread urbanization on vast areas of our homeland. Under the umbrella of peace, the democratic march has developed, deepened by a great judiciary, free press and parliamentary institutions reflecting the peoples’ impulse and aspirations. I pray to God, the Omnipotent and the Almighty to crown our march with success and guide us to the right course. He is All-Supporter, All-Protector May Allah's Peace and Mercy be upon you |
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