Security in the Arab Gulf states is a priority and an Egyptian interest, said Egypt's Foreign Minister Mohamed al-Orabi. He said restoring relations with Iran will not be at the expense of the Gulf. He said that he will make an Arab tour which will include a number of the Gulf States. Al-Orabi told the Kuwaiti newspaper "al-Rai" that Egypt's former Foreign Minister, Nabil al-Araby, drafted a framework for the future relations between Egypt and Iran. The matter should be discussed by the next parliament, he said. He added that the issue has not witnessed any change and said the security of the Gulf is a priority in Egypt's agenda. The Egyptian revolution managed to achieve a real change in the region, he said, adding, "I think that achieving stability and keeping the unity of the Arab nations, in addition to achieving integration, is the main objective of the revolution." He mentioned the Arab desire to improve Egypt's economic situation. Egypt's top diplomat confirmed that Egypt's foreign policy will reflect the objectives of the revolution and the aspirations of the Egyptian people. He added that the revolution paved the way for taking steps to formulate Egypt' foreign policy in this regard. He also said that Egyptian Prime Minister Essam Sharaf will visit the United Arab Emirates on Monday. Regarding the situation in Africa, Orabi said Egypt is needed in Africa, and that the continent had asked Egypt, Where are you? Orabi expressed his confidence that Egypt is qualified to restore its role on the continent. Orabi added that the Nile Basin is a region for cooperation not for confrontation. He said, "The Nile will be a source for development in the region." He said Egypt will adopt a policy to protect its interests and to build a cooperative framework among the Nile Basin countries. He also said the crisis is how to manage and benefit from the Nile water. He denied that there is a crisis of water scarcity. Regarding gas exportation to Israel, Orabi said the issue will be discussed and the facts will be uncovered after re-arranging the diplomatic institution. He added that the matter will be re-assessed according to Egypt's national interest. Orabi also spoke about the situation in Lebanon, particularly after the recent developments related to the trial of al-Hariri's killers. He said Lebanon realizes what is happening in the region and should counter any internal division during the current critical stage. Egypt's high-profile diplomat described the Palestinian cause as the central issue for Egypt and the Arabs, confirming Egypt's support for Palestinian rights. He added that Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu should implement what he said in his first day in office: that Israel should take painful concessions to achieve notable progress in the peace process. Orabi added that the Palestinian Authority should not be blamed for any potential decision or steps as the Palestinian president has not refused or impeded the negotiations. He said the strategic changes that the region witnesses currently require achieving serious peace without procrastination. Regarding Egyptian-U.S. relations, Orabi said, "No one can deny that the U.S. is the main power of the world, but Egypt also is the main power of the region.” He added that Egypt's influence in the region increased after the January 25 Revolution, so it is beneficial for Egypt and the U.S. to hold consultations about different issues. He said that the U.S. prepared a program to support Egypt's economy, which will contribute to supporting relations between Cairo and Washington in the next stage.
