PRESIDENT Hosni Mubarak sent messages, signs and signals this week, several of which concerned speculation over his health and physical well-being following widespread rumours that he was not well. With over an eight-hour tour of Sohag to inspect new mega infrastructure services, followed by lengthy statements to the press, Mubarak was basically squashing rumours which spread during the past few weeks that his health was declining. And indeed, by addressing a wide range of home and foreign issues raised by the press, the president was conveying yet another message to dispel concerns over his health: that he is not only in good shape but is also closely following the issues. Another message that Mubarak conveyed during his visit to Sohag was his determination to address issues of direct concern to Egyptian public opinion. As he inspected drinking water projects and a new highway linking central Egypt to the Red Sea governorates, Mubarak was conveying a sense of re-commitment to pursue national infrastructure projects. This came against the backdrop of a summer of loud public protests against declining public services in many parts of the country, especially the lack of drinking water. Indeed, Mubarak stated in no uncertain terms that a growing commitment will be demonstrated towards Central and Upper Egypt that have never before been granted adequate attention. For many viewers who followed the presidential visit and statements as it was extensively covered by the state-run TV channels, the tour was perceived as a close- up examination by the president of the performance of the government at a time when speculation is increasing over a potential cabinet reshuffle in a few months, one which is expected to include the services-providing ministries. For foreign diplomats in Egypt, Mubarak's tour in Sohag was material to report to their foreign ministries, not only because it clearly quelled the rumours about the president's health but also because his comments conveyed a sense of concern over regional developments. On the Palestinian-Israeli ministerial meeting expected to be hosted soon by the US administration in Washington, Mubarak voiced unmasked apprehension. "I see no clear agenda [materialising] for this proposed meeting, and without a clear agenda it is hard to predict the outcome of the meeting," Mubarak said. He added that there was also ambiguity regarding the meeting's format and length. "I fear a [negative] reaction should this meeting be held without any conclusive results to report." Mubarak also expressed concern over the lack of progress in the political attempts being exerted to resolve the over year-long Lebanese political crisis but promised a continued Egyptian commitment to help the Lebanese pursue a path of reconciliation "without taking any sides". Today Mubarak, who recently received Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Al-Siniora, is expected to meet French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner who again returns to the region in a fresh attempt by France to resolve the Lebanese crisis.
