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Al-Ahram Weekly 6 - 12 July 2000 Issue No. 489 
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Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Al-Ahram Weekly 6 - 12 July 2000 Issue No. 489
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| Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Egypt Region Focus International Economy Opinion Culture Features Travel Living Sports Profile People Time Out Chronicles Cartoons Letters Careful cordiality
Improved relations between Egypt and Iran, and steps toward the restoration of diplomatic ties, severed more than 20 years ago, have been welcomed by the peoples of the two nations, and by the region as a whole.Historically and geographically, both Egypt and Iran are major powers in the Middle East and the Islamic world. Cooperation between Cairo and Tehran plays a crucial role in maintaining regional stability, and good relations allow the two countries to work on issues of common concern at the bilateral, regional and international levels.
After President Mubarak came to power in 1981, he asserted Egypt's Arab and Islamic identity, restoring ties with all Arab countries and its membership in the Organisation of the Islamic Conference. Much has changed since the late Ayatollah Khomeini severed ties with Egypt in 1979. Iran's evolution from a revolutionary to a stable state, and the election of President Mohamed Khatami, were positive developments, which Egypt welcomed.
According to one Iranian official who came to Cairo this week to attend a meeting of Muslim parliamentarians, "relations between Egypt and Iran have never been better in the past 20 years." But Iranian officials are aware that Egypt cannot compromise on its demand that one of Tehran's main streets, called after the assassin of late President Anwar El-Sadat, be renamed. This is one of the stumbling blocks remaining on the path toward the full restoration of ties.
On the other hand, Cairo has defended Tehran when it denied accusations that it was sponsoring terrorist activities, and Israeli allegations that it was developing weapons of mass destruction. Indeed, cooperation between Egypt and Iran on creating a nuclear weapon-free zone in the Middle East is the best response to Israel's claims. It is Israel, not Iran, that must open its nuclear installations to international inspection and join the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Egyptian and Iranian officials agree that ties may not be restored immediately, but steady steps are being taken toward this goal. The careful process of resuming relations is another reason for optimism. It means that both countries are truly looking forward to opening a new chapter.
