Egyptian-American Relations are built on the Basis of Respect and Understanding

Dr. Osama El Baz, political affairs consultant to President Hosni Mubarak, was the guest of honor at a luncheon held for AmCham members on November 23 at the Semiramis Inter-Continental Hotel.

During the luncheon, he stressed that Egyptian-American relations are based on mutual respect and cooperation supported by a strong base of understanding. This relationship looks to continue because the countries have the same interest in establishing peace in a region considered a center for oil wealth and a connecting link between continents.

It is because of these reasons that establishing peace is crucial. He pointed out that the task at hand is to end the ongoing violence in Palestine because an increase in violence might adversely affect the peace process and that Palestinian and Israeli sides realize that it is not possible for the present state of violence to continue.

El Baz expects the violence to decrease with time, which is in the interest of all parties. In order for this to be achieved, all pertinent issues need to be taken into consideration. These are the situation of the status of Jerusalem, security arrangements, water usage, refugee status and international relations with neighboring countries.

Regarding the current flare up, El Baz placed blame on Israel. He said Israel had erred when it permitted Ariel Sharon to visit the holy site knowing the nature of its sanctity and that Israeli reaction was excessive. Within the context of international reaction, he noted that numerous European countries blamed Israel for its excessive use of force but they expected the violence would subside. To achieve this, all sides would work together, including Egypt, the United States, Russia and Europe.

According to El Baz, the current situation has created a sense of instability in the region and this might affect the amount of investment and stability of economic and social conditions. However, he is certain the situation has peaked and will move slowly towards curbing violence.

With regard to the belief that America always sides with Israel he said that this was a misunderstanding. He said that America too placed blame on Israel for using excessive force and it is not possible to consider America responsible for Israeli behavior.

Tied into the Palestine-Israel crisis was a question from an AmCham member concerning the grassroots boycott of American goods. El Baz answered that it is not among the policies that Egypt is encouraging because everyone is looking to building the bases of cooperation.

He made it clear that what is happening is not in Israel's best interest either. The Israeli economy is affected by the present situation with a marked decrease in Israeli stock prices and numbers of tourists traveling to the country he said.

In conclusion, El Baz commented on a question concerning the American free-trade agreement and said that it is expected to be signed shortly because it is necessary for Egypt to increase its foreign trade.

"We are cooperating with the American administration in many fields and are solving the problems that we are both facing," he said.

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