Egypt’s President Al-Sisi
Speaking to Al-Sharq Al-Awsat, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi discussed the situation in Saudi Arabia, saying that the Kingdom’s steps will have ”a positive impact, domestically and internationally.”
“I place on record my appreciation and respect for the Kingdom’s steps on various levels, which will have a positive impact, domestically and internationally,” el-Sisi said, describing the steps as “bold and well thought out”.
“We’re always together. It’s clear. Stability in the Kingdom means stability for Egypt, and vice versa. This also applies to the UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait,” he added. He said that he and his “brothers” in the Gulf and other Arab states can fight terrorism if they are united, adding that those “evil powers” who seek to target Egypt are the same powers that seek to target the whole region.
But in an interview to CNBC, el-Sisi took a non-committal position when asked whether he plans on helping Saudi Arabia, their ally, to take on Hezbollah: “The subject is not about taking on or not taking on, the subject is about the status of the fragile stability in the region in light of the unrest facing the region.”
“The region cannot support more turmoil,” he added.
President el-Sisi also addressed the possibility of Israel engaging in military action against militias linked to Hezbollah and Iran, both in south-western Syria and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, saying that such actions might provoke further conflict. “I hope this does not take place; the region has had its share of disturbances. Experiences throughout history show that wars do not solve problems, and what’s more dangerous than the military intervention itself are its further consequences,” El-Sisi said. “I call for the respect of Syria’s sovereignty and security and stability; more wars won’t solve the problem.”
When asked about Lebanon and the possibility of a deterioration in Lebanese affairs following the recent resignation of Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri, El-Sisi said the maintenance of security and stability in Lebanon depends on achieving a “balance” between various parties, which can be maintained only without foreign interference.
Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri resigned on November 4 during a trip to Saudi Arabia, saying his life was in danger. He claimed that Iran controlled the region. Iran dismissed the notion, accusing the United States and Saudi Arabia of orchestrating the resignation.
