Egypt – European Affairs Magazine

Sisi Underlines Facing Terrorist Groups without Prejudice, Settling Palestinian Cause

23 Maggio 2017 BreakingNews @en di

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi told the Arab-Islamic-US summit in Riyadh on Sunday that there are four elements to deal with terrorism – facing terrorist groups without prejudice, confronting all dimensions of the terrorism phenomenon, eradicating terrorist groups’ ability to recruit new fighters and settling the Palestinian cause based on a fair, final and comprehensive solution. Al-Sisi told that this summit had a symbolical importance, to show the unity of Islamic World in front of terrorist threat. Sisi praised US President Donald Trump’s vision and decisive policies in facing terrorism. “I have no doubt that the US contribution will bring about the qualitative change needed in the fight against terrorism” told Egypt President.

Egypt supports Libyan unity, territorial integrity: Army's Chief of Staff tells Haftar during Benghazi visit

19 Maggio 2017 BreakingNews @en di

Egypt supports ongoing efforts to preserve the unity of Libya and its territorial integrity, the Egyptian army’s Chief of Staff Mahmoud Hegazi told Libyan military commander Khalifa Haftar during a Wednesday visit to Benghazi. In an official statement by the Egyptian armed forces, spokesman Tamer El-Refai said Hegazi, told that main topic was domestic policies and international developments. Egypt envoy also congratulates Haftar the third anniversary of Dignity Operation. Haftar said he valued Cairo’s support for the Libyan National Army, referring to the exchange of experience and training with their Egyptian counterparts in various fields. He also praised Cairo’s ongoing support for solving the Libyan crisis and ending terrorism in the country.Hegazi’s visit comes only a few days after Haftar visited Cairo to meet with Egypt’s President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi.

Jordan, Egypt, Palestine reiterate commitment to Mideast Peace

16 Maggio 2017 BreakingNews @en di

Jordan, Palestine and Egypt on Sunday reiterated their commitment to the two-state solution as the only solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, expressing keenness to cooperate with the US administration in this regard. During the join press conference, it was reaffirmed the achievement of peace process, purposed during the 28th Arab Summit in Jordan, last month. Discussions also included efforts to end the political stalemate by resuming “serious and effective” negotiations to solve the Palestinian-Israeli issue based on the two-state solution. They also highlight the necessity to involve US administration in the process. The meeting also addressed the issue of the 1,500 Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike in Israeli jails and underlined the need for Israel to respond to their “humanitarian and just demands” in line with the international law and Geneva accords. Safadi, Shukri and Erekat affirmed their keenness to continue the dialogue and communication among each other and the rest of Arab countries, agreeing to meet again in Cairo and after that in Palestine.

Egypt’s economy seems to be gradually picking itself up: Focus Economics

11 Maggio 2017 BreakingNews @en di

In Focus Economics’ monthly Consensus Forecast’s report for May 2017 about the Middle East and North Africa stated that Egypt’s economy “seems to be gradually picking itself up, according to recent data.” The report said that the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to its highest levels in nine months by April, in spite of the deteriorating economic situation. Even if recent global evolutions of Egypt economy had a negative effect for private consumption, GDP will increase according to most recent previsions. Analysts expect GDP to expand 3.1% in FY 2017, which is up 0.1 percentage points from last month’s forecast. “For FY 2018, the panel sees growth accelerating to 3.8%”.

Egypt opens Rafah border crossing with Gaza for three days

7 Maggio 2017 BreakingNews @en di

Egyptian authorities on Saturday open Rafah border with the Israel-blockaded Gaza Strip for three days to allow stranded Palestinians to return home. During three days, border will be open in one sense, from Egypt to Palestine. It will be the first opening of the border since 55 days, told an Interior minister source. This border is an important strategic point for Palestinian population, indeed, it’s the own border with the rest of the world without Israel control.

Egypt: Arrests of alleged Islamic State members continue as group threatens Christians

7 Maggio 2017 BreakingNews @en di

Five alleged members of the militant group Islamic State were referred to the Criminal Court by the prosecution on Friday, state-owned media reported. Arrested members, was planning a trip to Libya to train themselves before to come back in Egypt to carry out terrorists attacks. In a recent development, the leader (emir) of the Islamic State’s branch in Egypt warned Muslims to stay away from Christian gatherings, as well as military, security, and governmental facilities, which are “legitimate targets for the organisation”. Although the declaration of the state of emergency and the Egyptian government’s pledge to end militancy, the activities of the Islamic State have started to turn its sights on targets outside its base in Sinai to reach Cairo and the Delta.

Parliament approves $330 million Arab Monetary Fund loan

5 Maggio 2017 BreakingNews @en di

Egypt Economy continues its process toward an economic stabilization with the approval of the last loan from Arab Monetary Fund. The House of Representatives ratified Presidential Decree No. 144 of 2017 concerning the approval of the third compensatory loan contract between the Egyptian government and the Arab Monetary Fund, signed on December 7, 2016. The main goal of this loan is to provide foreign exchange resources and to support overall deficit in Egypt’s balance of payment. The loan reach $332 millions, and Egypt is committed to paying 1.61 percent per annum in interest on the loan.

Egypt: Sisi arrives in UAE with Hafter and Serraj still in Abu Dhabi

5 Maggio 2017 BreakingNews @en di

Egypt try to play a diplomatic role at regional level, especially in Libyan peace process. Indeed, Egyptian president Abdel Fattah Sisi has arrived in the UAE for talks with Emirati leaders, but also reportedly to see Khalifa Hafter and Faiez Serraj who remain in Abu Dhabi. Even if information is not confirmed by authorities, Al Sisi would meet President Council head and Libyan National Army (LNA) chief during the official visit. Egypt has stressed Haftar, during last weeks, to move toward a Libyan accord to reach Libyan stability, in February 2016, Haftar refused to meet a est Libyan delegation in Cairo.

Egyptian President Al-Sisi to visit Gulf countries starting with UAE.

4 Maggio 2017 BreakingNews @en di

Egypt continues to install its diplomacy at regional level. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi will head to the United Arab Emirates on a two-day visit to hold talks with UAE leaders to discuss how best to enhance bilateral relations as well as continuing consultations and coordination on various issues of common concern. This meeting adress a message of cooperation facing the Arab Nations challenges, according to Egyptian President. Both countries mentioned their bilateral relations to enforce living standards in both countries, especially in the current crisis of the region. Egypt will continue its talks with other regional States during next days, Sisi will visit Kuwait and Bahrain next Sunday in the framework of enhancing joint cooperation. He will discuss several issues -combating terrorism in particular- as well as joint cooperation on issues of common interest including the Palestinian conflict and the situations in Libya, Syria, Iraq and Yemen.

Islamic State seeks to impose religious rules in Egypt's North Sinai

3 Maggio 2017 BreakingNews @en di

Islamic State could be imposing its rules over North Sinai Provicne, according to Reuters. Indeed, Interviews with residents of North Sinai and reviews of Islamic State videos suggest the group’s local affiliate, known as Sinai Province, is seeking to impose its hardline interpretation of Islam on the local populace for the first time. According to Sinai Province videos reviewed by Reuters, the group has created a morality police force, known as a Hisba, to enforce strict rules against such behaviour as smoking, men shaving their beards or women exposing their faces. And, even if the Cairo policy toward islamic groups is cleared, the eradication of these groups, we can still deplored terrorist attacks, and peoples killed or injured by IS in North Sinai Province. According to the report, IS try to keep an influence on the area, in despite of controlling a geographic area.