Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak's visit to Washington next month is to counter calls to add Cairo to the "axis of evil" label by some U.S. intelligence authorities, an Egyptian magazine reported Monday.
Al-Usbou', cited by KUNA, said that U.S. President George W. Bush invited Mubarak after receiving a report by the congress intelligence committee, headed by Senator Bob Graham. The paper's close presidential sources said the report stated Egypt did not contribute its share in supporting the United States “campaign on global terrorism”.
Furthermore, the report pointed out that the U.S. is at risk of terrorist attacks by several extremist or terrorist groups over the next three to five years. It included Egypt's Jihad organization as a potential assailant.
In addition, the document said there were unverified reports Egypt had helped develop Iraqi weapons through providing expertise and personnel in addition to selling Egyptian weapons to Iraq.
Moreover, Cairo's strong relations with Damascus also placed the latter under suspicion, it said, as Syria homes several active Palestinian groups.
The report further added that Egypt was accused of supplying Palestinian "terrorists" with weapons and ammunition.
Mubarak's visit to Washington, set for June 5, was announced in Cairo on Sunday. Mubarak is scheduled to hold talks with Bush and several U.S. officials on Middle East matters. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
