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Egyptian Concerns About the Situation.. Cairo Reserved About Communication with Damascus
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Egypt's reserved position toward the new Syrian administration reflects deep concerns about repeating the experience of Islamist rule in the region
Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman Tamim Khallaf reviewed the reasons for his country's description of the new Syrian administration as a "de facto authority," confirming this description aligns with the current political scene in Syria.
Khallaf's statements aligned with the position of Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aty, who used the same description during a media appearance yesterday, Sunday.
The official spokesman explained that this description reflects the nature of Syria's transitional phase following the fall of the former regime in December, and Khallaf explained that developments in Syria led to filling the political vacuum with non-elected elements, following the collapse of executive institutions.
The Egyptian spokesman confirmed that Cairo's position is based on the necessity of preventing Syria from becoming a source of threat to regional countries, calling for a comprehensive political process. Khallaf denied arrangements for an Egyptian Foreign Minister visit to Damascus in the near future.
Political analyses indicate that Egypt's reservation toward the new Syrian administration stems from its Islamic background and Cairo's previous experience with Muslim Brotherhood rule.
Despite intensive diplomatic activity in Syria since the political change, no official Egyptian presence has been recorded in Damascus. Media reports revealed Turkish efforts to mediate between Cairo and Damascus, with guarantees that Syrian territory would not be used to threaten Egyptian security.
The Syrian Interim Caretaker Government's Foreign Minister expressed desire to build strategic relations with Egypt. Following the political change in Syria, Cairo called for implementing a comprehensive political process, confirming its support for Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Levant-Agencies
