CAIRO: President Mubarak promoted the recent constitutional amendments in a televised speech from Saturday against muted US criticism in a move experts believe will not affect relations between the two allies.
The proposed amendment to article 179 gives the state sweeping powers to monitor and detain terror suspects without warrants. It also allows the referral of citizens to military tribunals where there is no possibility of appeal.
Mubarak said in a speech he gave in Egypt’s southern city of Assuit that “the security and stability of Egypt and the safety of its citizens are a red line which I have not allowed and will not allow anyone to cross.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit also weighed into the debate saying that the amendments were an internal affair and external criticism was not welcome.
In a press conference held with the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon he said: “Only the Egyptian people have the right to say their views on that referendum. … If you are not [Egyptian], then thank you very much. It s our own development, our own country.
This was in reference to US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice’s recent comments on the amendments which she viewed unfavourably saying she was concerned and disappointed over the proposed changes.
Head of the International Relations unit at Al Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies Hassan Abu Taleb told The Daily Star Egypt that the current disagreement would not permanently affect Egyptian-US relations and would pass soon.
“There have been differences in the past, and it is agreed that these differences do not affect common goals, he said.
Abu Taleb added “It will also not affect the amendments process, as it already has been set in motion and the amendments have been written out. Now a referendum is being held so the process will not stop.
Later, after meeting with Mubarak, Rice said “We have had a discussion. I have made my concerns known as well as my hopes for continued reform here in Egypt.
She added: “The process of reform is one that is difficult. It s going to have its ups and downs. We always discuss these matters in a way that is respectful, mutually respectful. But I have made my concerns known, and we have had a good discussion.
Concerning the US criticism Aboul Gheit said “Egypt and the United States are friends and we maintain the best of good relations. However, internal Egyptian affairs are an Egyptian affair and nobody else has the right to say anything.
The Foreign Minister was emphatic: “I have to be blunt with you, with all frankness; the responsibility of security in Egypt is an Egyptian responsibility.
Abu Taleb said that the numerous interests Egypt and the US share, and not just in Iraq, mean that this disagreement will not have a negative effect on relations.
“Common US-Egyptian interests are bigger than Iraq. There are also Palestine, and military and security interests, as well as economic ones.
