Egypt claims military stronger than in 1973; U.S. officials disagree

CAIRO — Egypt says its military is stronger than on the eve of the 1973 war with Israel.

The assertion was issued by Egyptian Defense Minister Hussein Tantawi in an address to senior officers. Tantawi said Egypt's military is in "much better condition" than in 1973 and are prepared to defend the country from any attack.

Tantawi, in an address on Monday, did not elaborate. For more than 20 years, Egypt has been purchasing tanks, ships and fighter-jets from the United States.

The defense minister, in remarks reported by Egypt's state media, said the country will not spare any effort to bolster the military. Tantawi said a strong military is a foremost goal of the Mubarak regime in its policy to maintain peace in the region.

Last month, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak signed the extension of a law that grants him exclusive powers to purchase military systems and sign defense deals without permission of parliament.

Tantawi's assessment of Egyptian military strength contrasts with that of U.S. defense sources. The sources, including those based in Cairo, said Egypt's military continues to be plagued by problems in maintenance and supply that appear to rule out a war of more than 10 days.

In a separate development, Egypt is seeking $250 million to remove mines. Egyptian officials said Germany and Italy are helping to finance the effort.