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Monday, April 24, 2000
Fellow Citizens, Among Egypt's most memorable days, the twenty fifth of April bears a remarkable significance to each and every Egyptian. On this glorious day in 1982, Egypt restored every inch of its occupied lands and regained the whole of Sinai. Thus, Egypt's national banners fluttered high over its international borders. On that day, cherished by every Arab and Egyptian, Egypt restored her bright image and Egyptians regained their pride of belonging to a strong, fully liberated homeland. A major spree of national joy surged over the country, washing away the grief and gloom that have overburdened the hearts of Egyptians for more than 15 years since the 1967 defeat. Of all Egypt's numerous national days, there emerges the 25th of April when the Egyptian flag was hoisted above the last spot on the Egyptian international borders, culminating Egypt's long strife in defence of its own land and dignity. This further crowned great sacrifices, where Sinai's land was watered with the blood of hundreds of thousands of its youth who offered their lives for the sake of their homeland and in defence of its dignity. Brothers and Sisters, Through its glorious war in October 1973, the Egyptian Armed Forces succeeded in scoring a decisive military victory that re-asserted Egypt's military capability to accomplish a major national mission. By defeating down aggression, setting off the 1967 set-back, our Armed Forces could change the situation in the Middle East, enabling Egypt to liberate every inch of its national soil and opening up future prospects for equitable peace in the Middle East based on the respect of the equivalent rights for all parties. In defending its lands, Egypt went through a long-range battle of liberation that reached its peak at the most memorable October War, then extended to the international legal battle where the Egyptian experts were engaged in defending Egypts' right to Taba. The real significance of this battle lies in the fact that it represents a continuous series of a courageous, multi-staged struggle. This struggle was undertaken by the people of Egypt and their Armed Forces with unshakable faith and strong determination and persistence to liberate every inch of the national soil; inspite of difficult international conditions, disequilibrium of balance of power and atrocious psychological warfare levelled against Egypt. Greetings to the proud people of Egypt who offered more than 100,000 martyers of their most faithful sons and endured gross sacrifices in defence of their right to liberate their homeland without succumbing to fear and despair. Greetings to the Egyptian Armed Forces that made the target of liberation a sacred duty and an ultimate national commitment, for which they could fain sacrifice their lives. In the glorious October War, the Armed Forces accomplished such a military feat that was outstanding by all standards, shattering down the myth of supremacy and proving the impossiblity of continued occupation as a fait accompli. Tribute is due to Egypt's hero, late President Muhammad Anwar as-Sadat who led the battle of the Great Crossing relying on the authenticity of his people, confident of the ability of their Armed Forces to score victory regardless of the difficult circumstances of the battle. Lessons of history teach us that Egypt's peace and security are contingent on the presence of powerful Armed Forces capable of maintaining the national security. Possessing adequate deterrent power to ward off forces of aggression, oppression and covetous schemes, the Armed Forces can effectively share in bringing about peace and security in the region and defending comprehensive and equitable peace. Today, we are working for a new Middle East based on just balanced peace, free of mass destruction weapons; a Middle East where all states and peoples dedicate their efforts to real development that yields benefits to all. We do this simply because, as advocates of peace, we discard war as being far from being an ideal means to settle international disputes and problems. We rather seek to resolve problems and disputes through negotiations and dialogue based on provisions of the law and rules of international legitimacy that are freely acceptable to all peoples without coercion or compulsion. Brothers and Sisters, Eighteen years have passed since this massive achievement was made in April 1982 and Sinai was completely restored. Since then, we have spared no effort to reconstruct Sinai. As Soon as the batallions of liberation accomplished their sacred mission of regaining land and national dignity contingents of reconstruction and building started their work on every inch of the blessed land of Sinai. Fully aware of the requirements of every stage of rational national action which aims in the first place at protecting strategic national interests according to their appropriate priorities in the peace stage, they forged ahead with full force and determination. This orientation which reveals a profound awareness of the importance of safeguarding national security, in the wide sense of the word, was the driving force behind the rush and involvement by Egyptians in a creative race to make Sinai an arena of intensive construction efforts. These were driven by an interest in bolstering peace on strong grounds, thus making this dear spot of Egyptian soil impregnable to attempts by coveteous and envious parties. By so doing, they sought to make this spot invincible with the help of faithful compatriots who offered every beam of their thought, every drop of their blood and sweat for Egypt to remain strong and powerful. As we celebrate the anniversary of the full restoration of Sinai and take pride in the efforts exerted over these years for the reconstruction of its good earth, we do feel more eager to sustain the success of peace efforts. This makes us more persistent on overcoming the current difficulties hindering the settlement until peace and security will have prevailed the entire Middle East. Undoubtedly, peace is in the interest of all peoples of the region that long for a comprehensive historical reconciliation which puts a just end for an epoch of pain and suffering. The peace process has covered the longer part of its course and should by no means be hampered from its ultimte goal because of petty covetous schemes threatening its major goal. Nor should be halted because of mutual fears that obstruct courageous decisions, or side manoeuvring designed to waste time and effort. It still remains for us to direct our resources and energies towards the noble goal of rebuilding and reconstruction. We should also keep in touch with latest advancement and progress of our time, successfully effecting the major transformation towards modern technology and scientific techniques necessary to push our community forward to new spheres of progress and prosperity. I pray Allah Almighty to support our efforts in the quest for just and comprehensive peace which can protect the equal rights of all parties, maintain values of justice and guarantee security, stability and development for all peoples of the region. He is Best Sustainer and Best Supporter May Allah's peace and Mercy be upon you. |
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