AL-ARISH: Senior security official denied media reports about the resumption of gas exports to Israel and Jordan, saying the destroyed pipeline and station haven’t been repaired yet.
The North Sinai official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that there are ongoing negotiations between officials in Egypt, Israel and Jordan to sell gas at international prices.
Israel insists on the old prices stipulated in the agreement signed before the January 25 Revolution, which is completely rejected by both the Egyptian government and the people, the official said.
The Sinai gas valve station was damaged in an attack on April 27.
On May 17, Ampal-American Israel Corporation said the station was repaired and was ready for gas transmission. Ampal hold a 12.5 percent stake in the East Mediterranean Gas Company (EMG), the Israeli company importing Egyptian gas.
“EMG was advised that the government of Egypt has been implementing additional security measures for securing its gas transportation system in Sinai from further attacks,” said Ampal in a statement in May, adding that the gas valve was expected to be up and running once again by the end of the month.
Media reports this month reported that the supply of gas to Israel and Jordan would resume soon, which was denied by North Sinai Governor Gen. Abel-Wahab Mabrouk in his meeting with journalists on Sunday.
He said no orders were given to the governorate regarding this issue.
