President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said the fatal crash of a Russian airliner in Sinai was “an individual incident”, urging the public to not jump to conclusions and speculate that a terrorist operation is behind the catastrophe.
Sisi arrived Wednesday at the Red Sea resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh in a surprise visit aimed at following up on security measures at the city’s airport.
Sisi’s visit comes as security measures at Egyptian airports are thrown under the spotlight following the October 31 fatal crash of Russian Metrojet airliner, which the United States and United Kingdom say could possibly be the result of a bomb planted on board.
Egyptian and Russian investigators checking the plane’s black boxes say the reason behind the crash has yet to be determined, but the unconfirmed theory of it being a terrorist attack prompted calls for tighter security at Egyptian and other Middle Eastern airports.
Sisi, speaking to state TV reporters during the visit, said results of investigations around the accident would be declared “with utmost transparency and clarity”, adding that his country will make sure that tourists “come safely and leave safely.”
He added that there are “enemies who want to undermine Egypt”, but did not explain who he was referring to. Pro-government media outlets have accused advocates of the terrorist assault theory of seeking to damage Egypt’s tourism sector.
Addressing Russia and Britain, Sisi stated that “Egypt is safe and stable and your citizens are welcome.”
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
