ARISH, Egypt: Heads of clans and sheikhs of tribes in Sinai opposed those who break traditions, laws and commit crime, which harms national economy. Sheikhs held a conference in Sinai University on October 19 and asked security forces to punish outlaws and perform all legal procedures against those who frightened civilians and harm economical projects. Head of Sinai Investor Association, Hassan Rateb, security director of North Sinai, Saleh Al-Masry, leaders of security systems, military rulers, a few sheikhs of tribes and big family members attended the conference. Sheikhs also warned of investments projects in heavy industrial zone in middle Sinai may stop as a result of the state of insecurity. Hassan Rateb said investment in Sinai is in danger. The state of insecurity and blocking cement factories' vehicles may stop these factories from working. This threatens national economy, particularly because French and Swiss partners are recorded in Egypt's stock market. "If the global stock market informed about the stop of factories, Egypt's stock market will sharply decline and will be directly harmed," Rateb said. "Factories stopping will harm nearly 8,000 families, including 3,000 workers' families and 5,000 poor families that the factories help." Rateb also said every one is responsible, including sheikhs of tribes and security systems in Sinai. He assured security systems will take all legal and security procedures against thugs and outlaws, who will be punished soon. State prestige must be respected after the recent changes after the Egyptian January 25 Revolution. A few security leaders said stopping cement factories in Sinai will effect the Egyptian economy badly. Sinai Sheikhs demanded to establish more developing projects and cancel sentences in absentia. Security leaders asked sheikhs tribes to cooperate with security systems in order to arrest outlaws. Dean Sadek Al-Askary said the army is applying forces of security and safety in Sinai so they could control Sinai again. He also announced armored vehicles will roam in the middle of Sinai to protest investment projects.
