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To read part one of this interview, please click here
To read part three click here
The Majalla: Is it true that you oppose the cancellation of the natural gas supply agreement with Israel?
The peace treaty and the natural gas agreement with Israel are not sacred texts. Certain adjustments could be made to the peace treaty without jeopardising the original text, provided that both parties demonstrate consent towards the adjustments. Concerning the supply of natural gas to Israel—and for your information—the agreement was signed in 2005, but the supply started in 2008. Also, in 2009, Egypt demanded a retroactive price increase, which was fulfilled by Israel. Currently, a possible price increase is being studied. It is our right to increase prices, but it is a breach of the Military Council declaration to stop the supply of gas to Israel permanently. The declaration obliges Egypt to respect all active official international commitments, including the gas supply agreement. However, the corruption in relation to this agreement is exposed and it is in the hands of the court to have its final say on the matter.
Q: Why are we under the impression that the official intervention in regards to these matters had not met the level of public fury in Egypt?
We have got to make a distinction between the responses of the leadership to official matters and those of the public. The Egyptian and Arab public detests Israel—rightfully so—for its malpractices and due to lack of progress in the peace process. However, relations between countries are not based on love and hate but on the basis of common interests and on principles. The leadership possesses a better and a more comprehensive understanding of situations, something that the public lacks. Consequently, you would always find a massive difference between the responses of the public to that of the leadership, not only in Egypt, but everywhere.
Q: Does this mean that the Military Council does not only prosecute those accountable, but is itself accountable to the public?
The Military Council is not exempt from accountability. However, the council acts as a director, not a ruler and is keen to carry out the transitional phase as soon as possible. We have got to support the council.
Q: Do you believe that it is time relations between Egypt and Iran resumed, especially considering current tensions between Egypt and Israel and pursuant to the principle “the enemy of my enemy is my friend”?
Matters should be assessed in accordance with the Arab world’s interests. Iran is a Persian country with Persian ideologies and certain interests in the Arab Gulf, while Egypt is an Arab country with Arab ideologies and interests. The following example demonstrates the intransigence of Iran’s mind-set: Iran relates to the Arab Gulf as the “Persian Gulf.” It absolutely insists on discarding the word “Arab” from the name. We have previously offered to rename the Gulf as the “Muslim Gulf,” but were met again with obstinacy. However, I still believe that there is no need to create an enemy of Iran.
Q: You worked as an intelligence officer for many years in a time where information was not easily accessible. Do you believe that the intelligence mission has changed, given that information is far more accessible today?
Of course, intelligence is a secret channel devised to gather information. There is no doubt that 95 percent of information is now publicly accessible via various media. However, there remains a 5 percent that intelligence services still tackle. The media reveals to the public explicit facts and plain information, whereas, intelligence tackles inside information and hidden intentions gathered by agents using special means. These intentions are often known—in a fast developing world—by only one or two people.
Q: Are intelligence wars still raging, like in the past, or have they cooled down?
There is no doubt that the intelligence wars are still active and that they shall never end. Evidence of this is the infiltration of US systems by Israeli intelligence. The US has not been spared despite of its exceptional relations with Israel. The intelligence wars will never end even in times of peace.
