“I'M very sorry about what the US has done in Iraq. This war has been a tragedy for everyone. I hope that the people of Iraq can rebuild their country," American international actor Richard Gere said in a press conference, held Wednesday on the sidelines of the 34th Cairo International Film Festival. Gere, who is being honoured during the festival, added that he is delighted to be in Egypt with all its smiling faces, stressing that he'd love to bring his ten-year-old child here. "The Cairo International Festival is very important as it boosts Egyptian culture and gives Egyptians the chance to learn more about other cultures. "Egyptians are very warm but strong too," stressed Gere, who said that music is in his blood, as he was brought up in "an incredibly musical house". "I started as a dancer, singer and actor in a musical theatre, which is why I enjoyed my role in the American film Chicago so much," he commented, adding that the most marvellous moment in his life was the birth of his child. French actress Juliette Binoche is also being honoured at the festival, which runs until December 9. "Arab culture is very special for Western people. Your country has a great magic. Children worldwide love Arabic history and culture, because they read about the magic of the East in their textbooks when they're only 11 years old. "Children love Pharaonic history and Ancient Egyptian monuments. They might not be so special for you because you see them every day," Binoche told a press conference. She explained that the nationality of the director is not important for her, but rather the story and the quality of the film that she will star in it. "I have no objection to working with any director of any nationality in any country." Binoche also stressed that she was interested in humanitarian, not political issues in her films. "I can't bear seeing children, who've been hurt in the wars in Palestine and other countries, but I'm not pro or anti any particular party. I just wish they'd be more co-operative and tolerant towards each other," said the Oscar-winning actress. When asked about a film in which she played an Israeli mother, searching for her daughter, Binoche stressed that the movie was humanitarian, not political.
