The Arab League Should Yield to Demands

IRD: Mr. El-Fiqi, what are the biggest threats against the Arab nations at the moment?

ME: I would say poverty and unemployment. As much as they are serious problems, they were the main driving force in the recent political transformations. Officials’ quick response to the situation in favor of the poor is necessary now. We need extensive economic reforms, food security and self-reliance in food production. Unfortunately, most of our food is imported; the average trade exchange between [Arab] countries has plummeted and the economic status in many Arab countries is quite chaotic. Unemployment -which triggered the recent revolutions- is rampant, and there is no hope for future. The youth are desperate since they see no promising prospects. Most Arab countries have populations that live under the poverty line. A massive effort is needed to eradicate poverty in all Arab countries, including Egypt.

IRD: Does the Arab League, as a key Arab organization, have any plans to mitigate the economic and social crises of the Arab nations?

ME: I personally had plans for the Arab League and negotiated on them in my visits to Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon. I hope I can carry them out beside Mr. Nabil El-Arabi. I put particular emphasis on the need for transformation inside the Arab League as a regional union which should play a more powerful role. The organization should undertake new political, economic and cultural missions. For example, the League suffers from lack of expert groups, so neither development nor education in the Arab world is significant. I do not know why [the affiliate] cultural departments do not merger. The Arab League has one or two bureaus in every country, which are mostly ineffective. I believe that some have to be eliminated and replaced with more effective organizations.

IRD: Is the Arab League capable of solving the Arab nations’ problems?

ME: Not if it persists with the existing mechanism. We must acknowledge that the revolutions have metamorphosed the Arab nation. From Tunisia to Egypt, and from Libya to Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait and Morocco; everything is shifting and it will inevitably transform the nature and function of the Arab League. We must admit that the new generation of youth brought up in Arab capitals are calling for change. The Arab League must have the vigilance to yield to these changes. Arabs will not abandon their demands even for one moment. They are not looking for confrontation, though they were forced to in countries such as Libya and Yemen. Arab League should acknowledge these changes and reforms; otherwise it will lag behind the social movement and lose its functionality.

IRD: In the wake of the new Egypt’s diplomatic line, we have witnessed Persian Gulf Arab states expressing concern about the country’s nearing Iran. What is your assessment?

ME: It is wrong to think Egypt’s decision to normalize ties with Iran means disassociation from Arab countries. I personally support Saudi Arabia’s stance. Historically, Egypt has had the closest relations with [Persian] Gulf Arab states, particularly Saudi Arabia. We seek the sustention and expansion of ties with the Arab countries of the [Persian] Gulf.

IRD: How do you interpret Mr. Nabil El-Arabi’s recent remarks on relations between Iran and Egypt?

ME: I think his words were misinterpreted. Mr. El-Arabi is a seasoned diplomat and knows the undertone of his remarks. He did not speak of resuming ties with Iran, but of “turning a new page” in bilateral relations. This is not wrong. From those who criticize Mr. El-Arabi I want to ask whether is it fair that Egypt remains the only country in the region which does not have full diplomatic ties with Iran? While the Iranians display willingness to reestablish ties with us and have taken concrete steps, why shouldn’t we welcome their move?

IRD: Arab countries object to Egypt’s decision to restart relations with Iran since they believe the country is meddling in their internal affairs.

ME: If Iran's intervention in the domestic affairs of other countries is proven, we will also object. We have informed Arab countries of the [Persian] Gulf about our stance. But the point is why shouldn’t we have relations with Iran while all other regional states do? Normal diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level is our right. Yes, we also have issues with Iran's policies vis-à-vis Bahrain, UAE and the triple islands [The Tunbs and Abu Musa claimed by Abu Dhabi] and its attempt to expand its regional influence. What we advocate is full-scale negotiations with the Iranians and trying to resolve our differences.

IRD: Some observers state that Iran and the US determine the future of the region. Do you concur with their speculation?

ME: Who says that? We are also a key regional state feeling responsibility towards the future of the Arab region. Let’s not forget that this is an Arab-dominated region and those entitled to speak of its future are the Arabs, not the Iranians. [However,] we should engage in talks with Tehran even over issues we feel concerned about.

IRD: Mr. Nabil El-Arabi says that Egypt’s national security is tied to Persian Gulf Cooperation Council members’ security. Do you agree with that?

ME: Absolutely. Meanwhile, we should also take Amr Mousa’s ideas into consideration. He has emphasized establishment of constructive relations between Arab countries –the Arab League- and neighboring countries. He supports of in-depth, effective talks. We must clarify our commonalities and then negotiate over differences, whether out partner is Iran, Turkey or African countries.

IRD: Some say that your close relations with Mubarak’s regime and your high-ranking positions have brought you setbacks, in cases such as your disqualification from the foreign ministerial post.

ME: Yes. Unfortunately many have treated me in an unfriendly manner. I penned as a critic in the opposition media for years. I have had close relations with [the incumbent Egyptian PM] Mr. Essam Sharaf for at least ten years during his term as the minister of transportation. He once told me that if I could elevate the prestige of the position I was in I would. I had –and still have- his blessing, but unfortunately few have considered these facts. Unfortunately, a myriad of rumors and false reports about me have been circulating. Many try to tarnish my image.

IRD: Many have criticized you for your membership in Husni Mubarak’s party and assume this is why you have been impeded in reaching higher positions.

ME: I was expelled from the party in 2004 for refusing to visit Israel, so such talk is all a smear-campaign.

IRD: Why were you not appointed as head of the Arab League?

ME: I actually extensively lobbied for this position. I had reached agreement about the portfolio with our brothers in the Gulf Cooperation Council, Saudi Arabia, the Syrians, and even Egyptian figures such as [Commander of the Egyptian Armed Forces] Mr. Tantawi. But eventually the final decision was for Nabil El-Arabi’s presidency.