Israel impeding project linking Egypt and Saudi, says former PM

[Arabian Legend]

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Former Prime Minister of Egypt Essam Sharaf warned against Israeli attempts to disrupt the construction of a bridge linking Egypt and Saudi Arabia.



In a statement before the Shura Council's Transportation, Communications and Information Technology Committee on Monday, Sharaf called for disregarding Israel’s comments about Israeli plans to establish a railway line parallel to the Suez Canal or an alternative canal.



“Israel knows quite well that its railway will not affect the Suez Canal, which is used for the transportation of 35 million containers annually, while if their railway operates at full capacity for 24 hours a day, year round, it will not carry more than 2 million containers,” he said.



He said that Israel is attempting to add pressure to impede the establishment of the bridge between Egypt and Saudi out of fear that it will affect Israeli transportation projects, especially the construction of a railway line parallel to the canal.

He called for developing the Suez Canal, adding that there was a comprehensive study prepared many years ago on the development of the canal and the surrounding governorates. He added that World Bank reports have said that the Sharq al-Tafria project in the canal would provide an economic boost to Port Said.



He added that it is a big mistake for the Suez Canal to remain a mere passage for tankers and ships.

Edited translation from MENA


Israel impeding project linking Egypt and Saudi, says former PM | Egypt Independent

 

[Arabian Legend]

Israel hints at war with Egypt over bridge to Saudi Arabia



Media reports claim that Israel and Jordan are against the project to build a bridge between Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Israel is taking the issue so seriously that it has hinted that it may be "a direct cause of war" if it goes ahead.

The project was instigated by ousted president Hosni Mubarak years ago only to be shelved. It has been revived post-revolution.

Israel insists that a bridge over the islands of Tiran and Sanafir located at the entrance to the Gulf of Aqaba would pose a "strategic threat to Israel" as it puts the freedom of navigation to and from the Israeli port of Eilat "at risk". Any closure of the gulf or threat thereto would, Israel has declared repeatedly, be "a direct cause of war".

Hebrew Radio pointed out that the Camp David agreement between Israel and Egypt emphasises the right of freedom of navigation through the Strait of Tiran. "Article V says that 'the Parties consider the Strait of Tiran and the Gulf of Aqaba to be international waterways open to all nations for unimpeded and non-suspendable [sic] freedom of navigation and overflight. The Parties will respect each other's right to navigation and overflight for access to either country through the Strait of Tiran and the Gulf of Aqaba'."

The 50-kilometre causeway and bridge between Egypt and Saudi Arabia will link Sharm el-Sheikh to Ras Hamid, near Tabuk. It is believed that the project will ease the travel to Hajj for tens of thousands of pilgrims every year.

Although Cairo and Riyadh claim that work on the project will commence later this year, according to the Israelis, "the project is still being studied by the two countries".

While the economic and political benefits of such a link are acknowledged, concerns have been expressed about the possible effects on the marine environment and coral reefs in the Red Sea. Such damage could have a knock-on effect on tourism, something that is vital for the Egyptian economy.

Israel hints at war with Egypt over bridge to Saudi Arabia

 

[agentny17]

The existence of Israel is a strategic threat to all the countries in the Middle East.

 

[BLACKEAGLE]

Israel hints at war with Egypt over bridge to Saudi Arabia


Media reports claim that Israel and Jordan are against the project to build a bridge between Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Israel is taking the issue so seriously that it has hinted that it may be "a direct cause of war" if it goes ahead.

Source: http://www.defence.pk/forums/middle...egypt-saudi-says-former-pm.html#ixzz2HiUXz3hK

Jordanian concern is that this train would affect transportation to and from Aqaba port which is the only Jordanian sea portal, so it's a brotherly concern and should be considered. You know how much Jordan suffered from the Egyptian MB ruling party in cutting off gas in the last year, and nevertheless when the Jordanian PM was asked whether Egyptian cut off gas is for getting the Jordanians against the regime or not, he replied that "I hope I won't live to the day Egypt which is a dear sister hurting Jordanian economy."

However, Egypt started exporting gas in the hard way after Jordanian economy couldn't take it.