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Al-Ahram Weekly 11 - 17 March 1999 Issue No. 420 
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Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Al-Ahram Weekly 11 - 17 March 1999 Issue No. 420
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| Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Egypt Region International Economy Opinion Culture Focus Special Features Travel Sports People Time Out Chronicles Cartoons Letters Tea and unity
By Nevine KhalilLibyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's visit to Egypt is certain to boost bilateral relations, but his dream of uniting the two countries is likely to remain elusive. At a six-hour public rally in Fayoum on Monday, Gaddafi said that his country was "more than ready to forge unity with Egypt". He was addressing Egyptian tribal leaders from Fayoum, Beni-Suef and Minya, who are said to have origins and relations in Libya. The Libyan leader told a rally of around 10,000 people that he was willing to "immediately" announce unification with Egypt.
Gaddafi called for greater agro-economic development in Egypt to strengthen its stability, "since it is the heart of the Arab nation." "Long live Egypt," came back the cheers from the crowd in response to the Libyan leader's ardent statements. Gaddafi said that his Arab strategy in the coming years "has its roots in development". This includes the exchange of natural resources between Arab countries, concerted efforts on environmental and water protection, desert reclamation and an increase in exports.
Gaddafi asserted that "Arab unity is a reality between the peoples of Egypt and Libya," adding that "only imaginary borders and colonial attempts to divide Arab ranks keep us apart." He maintained that these attempts "will not succeed in destroying historical ties and a united future."
During talks with President Hosni Mubarak on Sunday, Gaddafi reviewed progress made by joint committees and projects, and discussed ways of enhancing cooperation between the two neighbouring North African states.
At a meeting between Gaddafi and some of Egypt's top businessmen on Monday evening, agreement was reached on the creation of an Arab bank affiliated to the Arab League. The plan will be considered further by both sides before it is presented to other Arab parties.
The oil ministers of both countries also decided that a new joint Egyptian-Libyan company will carry out economic and technical feasibility studies on the construction of an oil pipeline from Libya to Egypt, and a natural gas line in the other direction. The project is estimated to cost around $1 billion, and could lead to Egypt exporting natural gas to Europe via Libya. The finance ministers of the two countries agreed on the settlement of inter-governmental debts between the two countries.
A leading Libyan oil-marketing company is also expected to set up in Toshka, alongside proposed joint agricultural projects in the new South Valley. A number of proposed economic projects between Cairo and Tripoli yet to be finalised include a mega-infrastructure project to link the power grids of both countries, the establishment of fuelling stations in both countries, as well as raising their annual trade volume to $1 billion.
Talking to the large gathering of tribesmen on Monday, Gaddafi noted that although Libya is mainly a desert country, "the right thing to do" is for Libya's rich resources of oil and natural gas to be transferred to Egypt. Attending the rally were representatives of extensive Arab tribes with relatives on both sides of the border, including the families of Fayed, Al-Qazazfa, Al-Abayida and Al-Gawazi. True to his relaxed style, Gaddafi occasionally stopped his motorcade during his tour of Fayoum to have tea in nearby villages.
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