Egypt wants answers from Iraq

2005-07-10 10:17

Cairo, Egypt - Egypt demanded Iraq on Saturday to explain remarks by Iraq's government spokespersonthat Egypt's top envoy - who was kidnapped and reported slain - may have been meeting Iraqi insurgents, which could have led to his abduction.

Egyptian foreign minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit also questioned the "implication and purpose" of comments made Tuesday by Iraqi spokesman Laith Kubba, according to a statement released by Aboul Gheit's office.

Ihab al-Sherif was kidnapped while buying a newspaper in Baghdad a week ago and al-Qaeda in Iraq has claimed responsibility for killing Egypt's top envoy to the country. The claim could not be independently authenticated and no photographic evidence proving his death.

But Egyptian authorities have condemned the reported killing and announced the temporary closure of its mission in Baghdad.

During a press conference in Baghdad, Kubba suggested al-Sherif may have been abducted while on his way to meet with insurgents.

"The fact that he went out without security may have been because he was on his way to make such contacts," Kubba told reporters. "The only recommendation is that contacting these armed groups is dangerous and has repercussions."

In his statement on Saturday, Aboul Gheit said he has ordered a senior foreign ministry official to contact Iraq's embassy in Cairo to seek explanation on Kubba's comments.

While not denying the possibility of the existence of contacts between Egyptian diplomats and Iraqi insurgents, Aboul Gheit questioned whether Kubba's comments were aimed at "avoiding responsibility, or just spreading rumours and justifying a tragedy."

Iraqis are suspicious that Sunni-led Arab countries maintain back-channel contacts with Sunni Arab insurgents.

The Egyptian foreign minister urged Iraq to catch those responsible for al-Sherif's disappearance and indicate Iraq is committed to stopping terrorism and regaining regional trust to restore security and stability in Iraq.

Al-Sharif, 51, was to be first Egyptian and Arab ambassador to Iraq and despite his disappearance, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak insisted his country will continue to support the war-ravaged country.

Egypt didn't take part on the war on Iraq in March 2003, and has been reluctant to recognize Iraqi government elected under occupation, and was at unease with the latest Shiite dominated government, but Iraq said last month Egypt would dispatch an ambassador to Baghdad.

Egyptian opposition groups and critics have slammed the Egyptian government's handling of the al-Sherif kidnapping and for sending him to Baghdad in the first place, considering he had been previously posted to Israel, a foe of militants operating in Iraq.

- AP