Egypt set to buy Russian nuclear technology, missiles, spy satellites
SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COM
Thursday, April 26, 2001
MOSCOW — Egypt is negotiating for the purchase of nuclear
technology, missiles and spy satellites from Russia in what is being termed
as the most significant effort to acquire advanced Russian systems in more
than 20 years.
In Washington, a U.S. official said the Cairo effort could mark a major change in Egyptian policy just weeks after President Hosni Mubarak visited Washington seeking enhanced strategic ties.
Under Mubarark, deliveries in Russian weapons were sharply reduced over the last
decade as Cairo bought U.S. systems for its air force, army and navy.
Egypt receives $1.3 billion a year in U.S. military aid.
The Egyptian interest in advanced Russian weapons was reported by both
Russian and Egyptian diplomatic sources in Moscow, Middle East Newsline reported. The sources said Cairo also
wants Moscow to build a nuclear reactor in Egypt.
Mubarak held talks in Moscow with Russian
leaders on Thursday. Mubarak is leading a delegation of senior ministers who
have held talks with their Russian counterparts on defense and technological
cooperation. The Egyptian president is scheduled to visit a Russian missile
factory and the London-based Al Hayat daily reported on Thursday that he is
also expected to meet Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov.
Egypt and Russia have already agreed to encourage investments and
cooperate in science and technology. The two countries also pledged to
cooperate in nuclear energy and space cooperation. Officials said the
nuclear cooperation would be limited to civilian use.
Mubarak is scheduled to attend the signing of an Egyptian-Russian
cooperation accord in Moscow on Friday.
Egyptian sources said Cairo has increased its cooperation with Moscow in
the nuclear field. They said Egypt bought an electronic accelerator from
Russia and has been receiving training from Moscow. The accelerator produces
radioactive isotopes and was purchased through the Vienna-based
International Atomic Energy Agency.
But both Egyptian and Russian sources said the two countries were
discussing military cooperation and procurement by Cairo of Russian defense
systems. The official Cairo-based Middle East News Agency said the Mubarak
delegation is also discussing such projects as remote-sensing and the
manufacture of medium-range missiles.
Another project being discussed is a joint production of the TU 204-120
aircraft in Egypt. Two Tupolev passenger and one cargo aircraft were
delivered to Egypt in 1998 and 1999.
All of these projects were expected to be raised during Mubarak's
meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday. Mubarak, a former
Egyptian air force chief, is said to be personally familiar with Russian
weapons.
In Washington, a U.S. official said the administration was following
Mubarak's talks with his Russian hosts.
Trade between Russia and Egypt collapsed in the late
1990s amid Russia's economic crisis and disputes over investment issues.
Thursday, April 26, 2001
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