Mubarak: Iraqi government wasted Iraq's future, as war of words by Iraq continues
Iraq-Egypt, Politics, 1/4/1999

Iraqi dailies (wich represent the government's position) on Sunday for the third day running continued their war of words against Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.

In a clear sign of the level of the deteriorated political condition between the two states, the Iraqi daily Babel said that Mubarak will return to play the same "conspiratorial role" he played in 1990. The paper issued a caricature of Mubarak along with this accusation. Another Iraqi weekly "al-Musawar al-Arabi" issued another caricature of President Mubarak with the caption "This is the real face of the ruler of Egypt, ridden by America and Israel."

In statements made to the Eyptian daily Al-Ahram, President Mubarak said "Egypt is doing its very utmost to eliminate the consequences of the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. We are much concerned over the suffering of the Iraqi people. However, we do not deal with the Iraqi regime; the regime which has not only failed to alleviate the suffering of its people, but is further adding to their misery."

On the Iraqi demand that the Arab states should not separate between the Iraqi regime and the Iraqi people, President Mubarak said "This is unacceptable when Iraqi officials are inciting Arabs to revolt against their governments. This does not help the Iraqi people."

President Mubarak was quoted by Al-Ahram as saying "At times of crisis, it would be wiser to mark your words and to rise to the level of responsibility. Now, has the Iraqi regime been able to patch things up with the Arabs; has it abandoned its ambitious schemes? Do Iraqi officials know how to conduct a dialogue? Do they know how to differ with the others?"

Mubarak added "In the war with Iran and in the invasion of Kuwait, the Baghdad regime has sacrificed the very future, the very resources of its people by undermining their social and economic interests. It is time Baghdad assumed the responsibility for the suffering it has inflicted on its people. It is not our job to substitute for the Iraqi regime. But, it is Baghdad's job to make the decisions that are likely to protect its people's interests, not those which would endanger them."

Previous Stories:
  Aziz accuses Mubarak of using US double-standard   (12/31/1998)
  El-Baz: Iraqis need effective action to end their suffering   (12/29/1998)

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