By Nasser El-Azazi
Tribesmen living in Sinai’s border region with Israel postponed their planned protests over a decision made by the minister of defence restricting ownership of land located within 5 km of the border.
The Federation of Sinai Tribes has released a statement saying the decision was made to help protect the interests of Egypt, currently going through a political and economic crisis. They stated: “We call on all political parties, with no exception, to place the interests of Egypt above all else, particularly that of Sinai, whose situation has recently took a turn for the worse. Step by step we are headed towards the unknown, however the prospect for good omens still loom”.
It added: “We view the Ministry of Defence’s latest decision [to restrict land ownership in border areas] as having destroyed the dreams of our people, which have been auctioned off for the benefit of regional powers.We are moving to stop this decision, and reinforce that we are all of one heart, and that we will work to protect the sovereignty of this nation and its citizens, whose dreams will not be crushed by the regime.”
The statement further warned of the repercussions if the regime did not address their demands, saying that to do so would forever close the door to dialogue. In such a situation, Sinai’s tribesmen would work on the ground to pursue their interests, in every part of Sinai, and by any means necessary.
