Al-Masry Al-Youm interviewed Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry over several issues including situations in Gaza, Iraq, Libya as well as ties with the US, Qatar and the Renaissance Dam crisis with Ethiopia
War in Gaza
Shoukry expressed Egypt’s support toward efforts made to protect the Palestinians. Our goal is clear and definite, which is protecting the innocent Palestinians either in Western bank or Gaza. We do not accept murder of any soul of our brothers in Palestine. It’s a precious soul that we should not waive its right in life for political or any other considerations
Asked why a long-term truce could be reached, Shoukry said “That’s what we seek and hope. If it does not happen, we will continue looking for what enjoys approval of all parties, until military operations are stopped.” He went on to say that the solution is still represented in what the international society agreed on “which is separation of the two countries. A Palestinian country on borders of 4 June 1967, with its capital at Eastern Jerusalem, which satisfies majority of the Palestinian people. This will not happen without negotiations.”
Regarding recent remarks by Tzipi Levni, Israeli Justice Minister, over Egyptian-Israeli consensus for a crackdown against Hamas, Shoukry said, “we are not responsible for remarks made others or those who have illusions about that. Egypt maintains its ties with all Palestinian factions, being part of the Palestinian people.
Iraq
Shoukry stressed necessity that Iraq surpasses its sectarian crisis and ends the exclusionary policies as well as formation of a government that considers demands of all segments. He expressed hope that US military operations against armed terrorist groups do not harm civilians or have a limited effect that would not lead to complications in Iraq.
Concerning an international or Arab as well as local desire in Iraq to select a new prime minister succeeding Nouri al-Maliki, amid his insistence to run for another term, Shoukry said, “it’s a local Iraqi issue. We don’t seek specific persons or change of other figures. We seek figures accepted by people.”
Relations with Qatar
Shoukry said ties between Egypt and Qatar are not the same ones among Arabs that we got used to. Egypt always seeks removing any impurities in relations with any Arab country. We also hope that Doha takes steps to express welcome to restore relations.
Libya
Regarding the conflict in Libya between rival armed groups, Shoukry said the current situation raises our concerns. Despite worries, we are sure that the Egyptian army can prevent any terrorist groups from sneaking into Egypt via common borders with Libya.
Asked if Egypt supports the military operation performed by the Libyan general Khalifa Haftar against the armed groups, Shoukry said “the Egyptian military’s mission is clear and historic, which is defending Egypt’s borders and people. This is the main mission and doctrine of the military.” The current situation in Libya needs to take a political perspective away from the military force. There is danger that threatens the Libyan people, which is presence of terrorist groups that take power from foreign elements that are not necessarily to be Libyans. We hope that Libya people can resist these dangers.
Ties with the US
Shoukry said that no date has been specified for President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s visit to the US. It will probably take place at a suitable time, when the need for it occurs.
Regarding the nature of relations, it’s not as strong as it used to be or expected from relations that lasted for more than 30 years, during which Egyptian and US peoples or Egyptian and US governments obtained many interests. Relations went according to consensus in views and interests between the two sides, which led to a joint desire to support these ties.
Renaissance Dam
Asked about the Renaissance Dam in Ethiopia and the latter’s declaration over ongoing construction of the controversial dam, Shoukry said, “We are capable of handling the issue. The breakthrough in Egyptian-Ethiopian relations will allow reaching understanding that considers interests of the two sides.”
Concerning Sudan’s stance on the dam, Shoukry said, “Sudan considers the issue through perspective of the people’s interests. It’s not necessary that there would be similarity in viewpoints between Egypt and Sudan toward Ethiopia and Renaissance Dam, which is accepted.”
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
