Mubarak: American stance more concerned of the region's current events
Egypt, Politics, 5/17/2001

In his statement to al-Mussawar Magazine President Mubarak said that he had intentionally kept in secret the name of the new foreign minister so that work in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would go on regularly.

The president said he has selected Ahmed Maher for the post because he wanted an efficient and experienced minister who is very acquainted with the details of the Middle East file : in addition to a close acquainted with the foreign policies of the two states, co-sponsoring the peace process.

In fact, Ahmed Maher worked as Ambassador on both Moscow and Washington and closely witnessed the details of the Arab-Israeli conflict. He participated in several issues related to the peace process such as Camp David and Taba issues.

President Mubarak indicated that he examined several names recommended for the post until he was convinced that Ahmed Maher was the best candidate among them all.

The President wondered as regards "those who claim that we wanted a minister reconciled with Israel;" he confirmed that "we don't keep silent towards any illegitimate acts or jeopardizing Egypt's prestige and role. However, and after all the Foreign Minister is entitled to implement the political time drawn up by the President of Republic, we want a sedate minister who knows how to make his talks statements and stances at the appropriate time."

Mubarak added that it was significant for him that Amr Moussa become a successful Secretary of Arab League, and that for the benefit of Egypt who is basically interested in the a strong Arab League making for the enhancement of Arab solidarity and creating the adequate climate and conditions for the establishment of the Arab Common Market.

The president expounded that he nominated Amr Moussa as Secretary-General of the Arab League, trusting that he is capable for the post; the President added that he undertook himself contacts with Arab leaders for the nomination to acquire Arab unanimity; and this is what happened in Amman. Whether the new minister would travel to the USA to discuss Washington demands to amend the Egypt-Jordan initiative or link it to Mitchell Report, the president said that the Americans have not as yet informed us of the required amendments; meanwhile the Israelis have sent their amendments a while ago. The president said that he was still hoping for an American stance more concerned of the region's current events, and more active in the peace process because the situation is grave, and without an active American intervention, this situation will deteriorate pulling at state the regions stability and security.

Mubarak added that he sent a letter to the American President Bush five days ago underlining the perilous situation and warning against the effect of the continuous escalation on the region's stability, but it is not yet due for the Minister of foreign Affairs to travel to Washington.

Mubarak concluded by saying that there was an idea to nominate a Foreign Minister and a Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, but he decided to defer this idea to give the new Minister the chance to study all the files of his Ministry and decide, himself if he needs anyone to assist him.

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