Issue No. 596
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25 - 31 July 2002 Issue No. 596 Home news |
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| Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 | Recommend this page | ||
A heroic history
Official celebrations of the revolution's anniversary began with the president's address. Nevine Khalil reports
In his speech commemorating the golden jubilee of the 1952, 23 July Revolution, President Hosni Mubarak censured the detractors of the revolution, telling them they were "greatly mistaken for judging the revolution according to today's criteria". He said that revolution critics "forget the domestic, regional and international conditions at the time, and what the revolutionaries were battling against".
Click to view captionMubarak decorates Gaddafi and RCC member Zakaria Mohieddin with the Revolution's Golden Jubilee medal, and symbolically honours the flag of the Armed Forces by granting it the Republic's Military Medal Speaking on Monday, on the eve of the revolution's 50th anniversary, Mubarak said that "the July Revolution was able to keep intact its nationalistic spirit." At the same time, he admitted that while "naturally some mistakes were made, these errors cannot blind us to the great achievements which will always remain a bright chapter in Egypt's modern history."
Mubarak gave the golden jubilee speech as he officiated over the graduation of the Military Academy's class of 2002. Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, who was on an official visit to Egypt, attended the ceremony along with a large entourage of officials and top brass. Mubarak and Gaddafi watched as military cadets showed off their combat skills, fitness and agility. An aerial show featured military aeroplanes trailing behind them large photos of Egypt's four presidents: Mohamed Naguib; Gamal Abdel-Nasser; Anwar El-Sadat; and Mubarak, all of whom had graduated from the Military Academy.
Mubarak decorated Gaddafi and RCC member Zakaria Mohieddin with the Revolution's Golden Jubilee medal, and symbolically honoured the flag of the Armed Forces by granting it the Republic's Military Medal.
In his address, Mubarak said that the revolution was carried out by some of Egypt's "finest military officers, who were driven by their patriotic feelings towards Egypt, to bring back its dignity and fulfill the people's aspirations". He noted that some 80 per cent of the population lived in squalor, while the state only served the interests of a small privileged group. Mubarak painted a grim picture of conditions before the revolution, saying that political life was a game being played by the palace, the foreign occupiers and a hollow, artificial parliament. "Then the ancien regime began to crumble, and the July Revolution arrived to crown the struggle of the Egyptian people and uphold their dignity and freedom."
The July Revolution, Mubarak said, had won the overwhelming support of the people because it rid Egypt of foreign occupation, nationalised the Suez Canal, implemented agricultural reform and sparked an industrial boom. "These were all ambitious goals of the people, and the blueprint of the revolutionaries' action plan," he said.
Mubarak paid tribute to "the heroes" who led the revolution, risking their lives on that very same day 50 years ago, to carry their country to a new dawn. He saluted Gamal Abdel-Nasser, "who dedicated his life to his country and people, up until his final breath". Nasser died hours after an Arab summit concluded in Cairo in September 1970. Nasser's successor, Anwar El-Sadat, was also honoured by Mubarak, who said that the late president "revived the revolution and corrected its course, won the 1973 October War, initiated political and economic reforms, and concluded a peace agreement with Israel".
Mubarak added that Egypt's revolution was a beacon of independence for Arab and African countries struggling against colonialism and racism, and eventually winning their wars of independence. Among them was Libya's 1969 revolution led by Colonel Gaddafi.
The revolution, Mubarak pointed out further, upheld the principles of social justice and comprehensive development, adding that Egypt today continued to march in accordance with these principles. He said Egypt remains in step with modern developments as well, so as to maintain its role as a pioneer in the region. "Egypt continues to deepen democratisation, expand freedoms, reform the economy and play a peacemaking role in the region," the president said.
In conclusion, Mubarak pledged to continue these efforts with determination, and at the same time "clear the way for young leaders to share in the responsibility of running the country at this sensitive phase of history".
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