Special to WorldTribune.com

CAIRO — Egypt has drafted a plan to stop arms smuggling to the Gaza
Strip.

The announcement came as Egypt was preparing for a summit with the
United States.

On Jan. 6, U.S. Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence
Michael Vickers arrived in Cairo for two days of meetings to discuss the security situation in the Sinai Peninsula, deemed a leading arms route to the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip.

The Interior Ministry has completed a plan for a multi-agency effort to
stop weapons smuggling from such countries as Libya and Sudan. The ministry was expected to release and implement the plan in 2013.

“The security and safety of citizens are a top priority at this critical
time,” Egyptian Interior Minister Mohammed Ibrahim said.

On Jan. 6, Ibrahim said his ministry was working on what he termed an integrated security plan. The newly-appointed minister said enhanced security measures would be introduced in border provinces with reported arms smuggling.

“Stability and security are the wish of all Egyptians, regardless of
their affiliation,” Ibrahim said.

Ibrahim did not cite details of the plan. He said arms smuggling
represented a significant threat to Egypt.

The regime of Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi announced at least two
plans to enhance security in Sinai and other border provinces. On Jan. 6,
the Egyptian military command denied reports that counter-insurgency
operations in Sinai had been halted amid an attempt to negotiate with Al
Qaida-aligned insurgents.

  Egypt announces plan to stop Sinai-Gaza arms smuggling as U.S. official arrives, Gaza Strip, Michael Vickers, Mohammed Ibrahim, Mohammed Morsi