Mubarak: People's participation in government key
Egypt, Politics, 9/25/1999

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak yesterday highlighted the importance of participation in government, saying, "Popular participation is the basis of the modern state, along with promoting the state of institutions and sovereignty of the law."

"I want citizens to cast their ballot and exercise their right," he said in an interview with an Egyptian television program.

Speaking before tomorrow's presidential referendum, Mubarak dealt with a wide range of topics. He said that the government ministers would submit their resignations after the completion of the elections, adding that they will continue to serve in their offices until a new government is appointed.

On the subject of the Israeli military, Mubarak said, "They want others to remain weak in order to impose their control on them." On normalization of relations with Israel, he added, "I do not impose it (normalization) on anybody. Everyone is free provided that sovereignty and security are maintained."

He also called for international coordination to address the problem of terrorism and addressed rumors that his attacker earlier this month in Port Said was approaching him with a complaint, saying, "The attacker was holding a bottle in one hand and a knife in the other." He asked, "Where is the complaint they are talking about?"

Addressing economics, he said that there is a movement in the Arab states toward the formation of an economic bloc. He added that the problem of unemployment in Egypt is being addressed and that the effects of infrastructure development and the mega-projects underway in Egypt would be felt in the long term.

He praised relations with the US said, "We thank the US for the aid which has helped us in the infrastructure."

On his governing style, Mubarak said that he consults experts and then makes his decision. "I have never been a dictator and will never be one," he said, adding, "This system (dictatorship) pushes peoples back. Many have differed with me, but this does not anger me."

Previous Stories:
  Egypt: 18 years under the reign of Mubarak   (9/24/1999)
  International Atomic Energy Agency supports Mubarak's initiative to free Middle East from weapons of mass destruction   (9/21/1999)
  Gaddafi in Alexandria to feel assured on Mubarak   (9/21/1999)
  Mubarak says son not involved in politics   (9/20/1999)
  Moussa, al-Sharaa deny tensions in relations between Egypt and Syria   (9/13/1999)

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