President Hosni Mubarak in a speech marking the inauguration of the new parliament on Sunday accused unnamed groups of attempting to foment sectarian tension in Egypt.
“These endeavors sometimes target Muslim-Coptic unity, and, at other times, aim to play us against our Nile Basin brothers," Mubarak said.
The Egyptian government's relations with the Coptic community have soured recently, reaching a climax after clashes between Christian rioters and security in Omraneya.
“We fully recognize the difficulties and challenges facing us in the region and the whole world," Mubarak conceded. "We are aware we still in a war against extremism and terrorism.”
One US classified cable released by Wikileaks, the online whistle-blower, claimed Egyptian security officials informed the US that Iran recruits Sinai Bedouins to smuggle arms into the Hamas-run Gaza Strip.
In an tacit reference to the leaks, Mubarak said: ”The way we handle our foreign policy and national security issues is based on honesty and clarity. What we say in public is the same as we say behind closed doors.”
“We never give up our sovereignty and free will. We reject dictations and imposed conditions. We are always heedful to the security of Egypt and its citizens.”
Mubarak held Israel responsible for the failure to proceed with peace talks, saying Israel has to recognize its security can be achieved by peace, rather than force or occupation.
Launched in early September, negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis have deadlocked since Tel Aviv rebuffed calls for extending a freeze on its settlement construction.
