Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, the Egyptian president’s advisor on political affairs, Dr. Usama Al Baz, emphasized that Egypt does not have a rigid stance on the participation of a multi-national force in Iraq, which the U.S. is calling for. He said that the Egyptian objective was to end the foreign occupation in Iraq, to begin the reconstruction of Iraq and to allow Iraqis to practice sovereignty over their country. It is in the interests of all parties, including the American forces, to achieve these aims. He suggests acting according to a time schedule. It is clear that the U.S. administration has realized that.
When asked if Egypt would change its stance if the UN Security Council adopted a decision to send a multi-national force to Iraq, Dr. Al Baz said that Egypt acted within a general Arab framework. The Arab states shall have a coordinated stance. During his visits to Saudi Arabia and the U.A.E., the Egyptian President discussed important issues like the Road Map, resuming peace operations and the fierce attempts to distort Islam.
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Al Baz also said that Cairo and Washington have good relations. Yet, there are some different points of view due to the different positions of the two countries. The U.S. is a super power which has interests which might conflict with the interests of others. Nonetheless there are other powers like Europe, China, the Arab states and Africa. There is also the Islamic world which can be an important cultural power in establishing dialogue between cultures. .
Answering a question on the Egyptian openness towards Islamic groups, Al Baz said that such openness was related to security and humanity and that it did not have any political implications. Egypt does refuse political participation on the basis of religion for it would threaten national unity. .
Regarding Egyptian efforts to draw Palestinian groups together, Dr. Al Baz said that Egypt would not force Palestinian groups to do anything. Egypt is motivated by a sense of national and regional responsibility. The situation in Palestine has deteriorated and peace operations have reached a deadlock. If we accepted such a situation we would encounter extremism on both sides. .
Asking Dr. Al Baz whether the U.S. objects to Egypt’s contacts with "Hamas" and "Al Jihad" groups, he said that the U.S. did not veto Egyptian contact with them. As a neighboring country to these groups, Egypt’s appraisal of them differs from that of the U.S. Asking Dr. Al Baz whether the U.S. requested the freezing of "Hamas" and "Al Jihad" bank accounts in Egypt, he said that they do not have any accounts in Egypt.
Commenting on the Israeli decision to exile Arafat, Dr. Al Baz said that it was a dangerous decision. The international community and even the U.S. objected to such a decision. Dr. Al Baz thinks that Israel does not have the political ability nor the opportunity to implement such decision. .
As for Egypt’s willingness to receive Arafat in case of his being exiled, Al Baz said that Egypt rejected the exile decision. The Palestinian leader should not be treated as an exiled person. .
Commenting on the attacks upon Syria, Al Baz said that attacking Syria was not expected, as it was illegal and immoral. Syria does not participate in any terrorist operations. .
Being told that there are some people who say that Iraq’s reconstruction is going to lead to a decline of foreign investment in Egypt, Dr. Al Baz said that Egypt did not compete with Iraq or any other state. Iraqi construction is a top priority for the international community which will contribute to the development of the Middle East as a whole.
Asking Dr. Al Baz about the social and political consequences of the Egyptian Pound’s exchange rate decline, he said that Egypt saved security money to meet the needs. The state is responsible for providing foreign currency in order to purchase necessary goods. He said also that this would not revive the black market for the price differences were slight. .
When asked about Gamal Mubarak’s entrance into politics and the chances of him succeeding his father as president of Egypt, Dr. Al Baz said that Gamal Mubarak had the right to enter politics as an Egyptian citizen. This includes being a candidate in the presidential elections.
