A transcript of AP interview with Egypt’s el-Sissi
CAIRO (AP) — A transcript of The Associated Press’s interview with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi.
Q: What role will Egypt assume in the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State group?
A: Let me assert here that we are fully committed to cooperate in counterterrorism in the region and not just when It comes to dealing with Daesh (the Arabic acronym for the Islamic State group. No, we are talking about full support by Egypt to a comprehensive counterterrorism strategy in the region and the entire world too. We don’t want to limit the confrontation to only military and security measures. I imagine that the comprehensive strategy we’re talking about — part of it would be the security and military confrontation, correct, but it would also include fighting poverty. Economic support for countries in the region is also important. We are also talking about improving education, which is important, as well as changes in the Islamic religious discourse. When all this is done, we will achieve decisive results in counterterrorism.
Q: Will airstrikes targeting the Islamic State group by the United States and others be enough to destroy the organization?
A: Most certainly, they will achieve results. Also, don’t forget that there are Iraqi forces on the ground. Iraq is not a lightweight state. Iraqi forces are capable of contributing in this matter. What is important is that there should be a suitable atmosphere in Iraq so this confrontation can succeed. It’s not a matter of ground troops from abroad or an issue of whether it requires that or not. What I am talking about here is that the size of the Iraqi forces, together with the efforts by the United States and others would be enough, or at least that is what I think.
It is important there should always be a dialogue and discussion so that things can move in their natural course for the confrontation we are talking about. Terrorism poses a danger to all nations in the region, without exception. To confront and counter it must be done by all with coordination.
