Slanderous propaganda against Egypt, unacceptable

Egypt's Minister of Information Safwat El-Sherif lashed at Qatari Satellite Channel Al-Jazira, saying its slanderous campaign against Egypt is a "grave mistake" that poisons and splits the Arab nation.

In statements to Good Morning Egypt T.V program Thursday over the telephone, he said Arabs should not carry such nonsense on the air, it is a very serious matter.

He called on the Egyptian and Arab people to ignore such nonsense. "We must find out who is behind attempts to drive a wedge among Arab ranks," Al-Sherif said.

If freedom in Egypt provides enough room for anybody who wants to talk, "this is because we have confidence in ourselves, but to abuse this freedom is unacceptable," Al-Sherif added.

"I want to tell officials in charge of Al-Jazira that this is unacceptable to Egypt and the Egyptian people," he said, referring that many countries have taken a political stance and have withdrawn their ambassadors.

Within the limits of the media, "I will resort to a media measure, I will suspend all dealings with Al-Jazira, whether studios, channels, satellite cooperation or correspondents," Al-Sherif warned.

"But I hope I will not have to make such a decision," Al-Sherif said. "Egypt has offered its sons to the Palestinian cause, its President brings the Arab people together and seeks to stop the bloodshed of Palestinians, and answers all international calls for intervention, and after all of this it (Al-Jazira) launches this strident campaign," he added.

"I want to say that this channel is transmitted from a sisterly country, and its trends and tendencies are well known, it tries to abort any Arab action and wants to attack Egypt, the shield of the Arab nation, it wants to brainwash the people and raises issues that nations find unacceptable," he said.

He expressed hope that the people in charge of Al-Jazira would re-evaluate matters and stop attacking Egypt. "Otherwise, we will have to take action," he warned.