Region | Egypt
Egypt FM criticises Bush Mideast policies
Egypt's foreign minister criticised US President George W Bush for his Mideast policies on Monday, a day after the American leader lectured Arab leaders on their approach to governing.
- Agencies
- Published: 09:57 May 20, 2008
Sharm Al Shaikh: Egypt's foreign minister criticised US President George W Bush for his Mideast policies on Monday, a day after the American leader lectured Arab leaders on their approach to governing.
During his address to the World Economic forum, Bush delivered a string of criticisms of Arab nations with few compliments, in a stark contrast of the ample praise he gave to Israel last week.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit responded on Monday by saying US support for Israel and its own actions in the Mideast triggered unrest and a clash of civilizations between Muslims and the West.
"When we see ... an Israeli tank in an Arab city, a Palestinian city or an American tank in an Arab city firing arms, that makes people angry," said Aboul Gheit at a summit meeting linked to the economic forum being held in Sharm Al Shaikh.
"The anger leads to lots of turmoil. Turmoil leads to instability," he added.
Bush chided Arab nations Sunday for curbing political opposition and religious freedom and stressed that Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.
"Would you please tell me, did anyone raise the issue of the Israeli capability?" retorted Aboul Gheit on Monday to roaring applause. "Why are you hiding the Israeli nuclear capability?"
Israel has never confirmed or denied existence of a nuclear programme.
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