US praises Egypt's stance on terrorism
Egypt-USA, Politics, 11/10/2001

Egypt is considered one of the most important countries in the Middle East region and plays a leading role in the war against terror, said US ambassador in Cairo David Welch.

The US administration is satisfied with Egypt's stand supportive of the efforts to combat terrorism, he said.

On the US newspapers' criticism of Egypt once again despite Cairo's support for Washington following the September 11 attacks, Welch said that the press in the United States enjoys freedom.

"I cannot speak for them and it is up to the press and journalists to decide what to write", said the US ambassador in an interview with "Good Morning Egypt" TV program, adding that sometimes journalists write things they regret and sometimes not.

He remarked that mass media everywhere can set things right, adding that the press must be responsible and cautious of what is being written nowadays and should give an air of tolerance and optimism.

On the travel procedures for Egyptians to and from the United States, Welch said the September 11 incident prompted the Americans to be more cautious.

He voiced his country's scrutinized procedures in the issue of entry visas but work, tourism and immigration visas are still issued.

As regards the Palestinian resistance, the American ambassador said that terrorism is terrorism and it is the murder of innocent people.

We wish to see an end of all the terrorists, he said referring to the violence between the Palestinians and Israelis everyday.

He called for restoring security, halting violence and applying the Mitchell recommendations to build confidence and resume negotiations.

There is hope of a bright future between the two parties and the United States is active in this respect, he said.

Asked on the US administration's ability to restore the rights of the Palestinians in light of the Congress' bias toward Israel, Welch pointed out that the Congress supports all the peaceful steps.

"If we considered the Congress support for Egypt after the peace talks with Israel, we will find that history asserts the Congress' support for both parties. The Congress is not a problem," said the US ambassador.

Welch denied decrease in US investments in Egypt after the September attacks, noting that some American companies are interested in the Egyptian market.

We have interest in the Egyptian businessmen, investment opportunities in Egypt and the Egyptians who wish to invest in the United States, he said.

Welch further referred to recently-growing Egyptian exports to the United States by 44 percent.

Previous Stories:
  Maher denies September attacks motivated US interest in peace   (11/8/2001)
  Welch appreciates Mubarak's support for US war on terror   (11/8/2001)
  EFACD in USA today to discuss Mideast peace, terrorism   (10/29/2001)

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