Piracy off the Somali coasts does not impose any direct threat to the Egyptian national security or the Red Sea, Cabinet Spokesman Magdi Radi said. In its recent meeting, the cabinet discussed, for the second time in a row, developments of this dangerous phenomenon. Reports filed by concerned ministers confirmed that piracy has nothing to do with the southern entrance of the Red Sea or the Suez Canal, as piracy operations are launched 1,300 km south of the Gulf of Aden.
The Suez Canal Authority has formed a working group to follow up the repercussions of this phenomenon on a number of vessels crossing the Suez Canal. This group says this phenomenon has not affected navigation movement in the Canal, which has been slightly affected by the world financial crisis, Radi said in a press release. In its meeting last Wednesday under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif, the Egyptian government confirmed that Egypt is willing to participate in an international force under the umbrella of the United Nations to secure navigation off the Somali coasts, Radi said, noting that it is the Red Sea littoral states that are responsible for protecting the Red Sea.
The Egyptian government stressed the importance of combating this phenomenon through coordinated efforts under an international umbrella, Radi said, pointing to the Egyptian proposal to establish an international tribunal to combat piracy under a decree from the Security Council.
With regard to some countries questioning the Egyptian role towards Palestine and Gaza, Radi said: "The cabinet affirms that Egypt will continue providing all possible assistance to the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank. Egypt strongly rejects accusations made by some about the Egyptian role in helping the Palestinian people politically, financially and morally."
