American maneuvers in Egypt cancelled

The American ambassador in Cairo announced yesterday the withdrawal of the American army for this year from " Bright start" maneuvers which are carried out every two years in Egypt and other countries.

A spokeswoman for the embassy said that the US defense department considered that " due to our current moves in the world, it seems it is better not to take part in these maneuvers " describing the decision as " very difficult." According to western diplomatic sources in Cairo, this decision will result in abrogating these multinational maneuvers which are usually held at the financial support of the USA.

The last time the " bright star" maneuvers took place was in October 2000 near al-Alameen area, Northern Egypt.