Egypt Approaches Hostage Situation with Caution

Geyd reported that the kidnapped diplomat struggled to strengthen the brotherhood relationships between Egypt and Iraq. Geyd insisted that there is not official convention between Iraq and Egypt dictating that Egypt would send soldiers or equipment to Iraq. The Egyptian Embassy in Bagdat (Baghdad) is still trying to contact the kidnappers so that Egypt can secure the release of the diplomat.

Iraqi Interim Prime Minister Iyad Allavi ensured Egypt that he would do his best for the hostage. He implored Cairo not to capitulate to the kidnappers. Allawi went on to say that the only way to deal with the terrorists is to bring them to justice, and he expects the Egyptian government to act in such a manner.

In Allavi’s visit to Cairo last week there was discussion that Egypt might train Iraqi security forces, but no official agreement was reached. An Egyptian diplomat was kidnapped by the group ‘Lions of God’ shortly there after.