Egypt waits out Turkish-Israeli exercises
Egypt, Analysis, 10/1/1997

An Egyptian said that the main focus of discussion between American Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and senior Egyptian officials was the current situation of the Middle East peace process, but they also touched upon some issues of bilateral concern during her visit to the region last month.

"While some Egyptian-American differences were raised, such as Iran-Egypt relations, the cold peace between Cairo and Tel-Aviv, and the Libyan crisis both sides were willing to steer clear away from areas of contention," the official added.

From time to time, some news resurfaces of serious Iranian efforts to approach Egypt for military and economic cooperation in order to counter-balance what seems to be an inevitable Turkish-Israeli alliance, and the visiting US delegation expressed concern over a potential Tehran-Cairo rapprochement at this stage.

A few days ago, President Hosni Mubarak addressed warnings to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the impact the stagnation in the peace process could have on the regional balance of power.

Analysts said that the U.S. would not welcome Egypt siding with Iran at the time being, and Egypt has substantial economic ties with the United States. So what Egyptian would get out of restoring its relations with Iran at this stage would not amount to what it could lose by straining its ties with Washington.

Egypt is one of only three countries, with Russia and South Africa, that is firmly linked with the US in a long-term economic partnership in the frame work of the Mubarak-Gore initiative which fosters cooperation.

In the fields of economics, technology and education,Cairo is also second only to Tel-Aviv as one of the largest recipients of US economic and military assistance, which together amount to $201 billion a year. Today there are about 2,000 US companies in Egypt, 200 of which have permanent offices in Cairo. The political and economic ties between Egypt and United States are generally described by both capitals as "close," "friendly" and "strategic."

However, that the pro-Israel lobby in US was doing its utmost to try and sour relations between Cairo and Washington. So, Egypt has made efforts to avoid Netanyahu's policies which would drive the Middle East region to the brink of an abyss.

On September 16, Mubarak and Turkish President Demirel discussed the Turkish-Israeli military cooperation agreement which was signed last year, and this week Cairo said it was satisfied with Ankara's assurance.

Demirel defended military cooperation with Israel, saying that it was only a "blueprint agreement," which is similar to ones signed between Turkey and 82 other countries. "It had nothing to do with the peace process," he said.

Turkey's regional neighbors, especially Syria and Iran, are opposed to the accord, viewing it as a threat to the balance of force in the region. Demirel insisted, however, that Turkey's ties with Israel are not against a third country; indeed, Turkey does not have any problems with the Arabs that need to be settled by using force and this misunderstanding must be eliminated.

Previous Stories:
  No peace progress without active US role, Mubarak, Weizman   (9/29/1997)
  Mubarak Meets with the US Secretary of State   (9/13/1997)
  Turkish leader to visit Egypt and soothe Arab worries   (9/10/1997)

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