Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Sunday highlighted the importance of achieving peace, security and stability in the Middle East and reiterated Egypt's support to the Arab nations.
In a televised address to the nation on the eve of the 55th anniversary of the July 23, 1952 revolution, Mubarak said that Egypt will maintain efforts on the Palestinian and Lebanese tracks, as well as in Iraq, the Gulf region, Sudan's Darfur and Somalia.
"Cairo is aware of the fact that crises in such regions could have repercussions for the national security of Egypt, which is the number one priority," Mubarak added.
Egypt won't give up national security under any pressure, the Egyptian president noted, refusing any foreign interference with Egypt's internal affairs.
Independence and sovereignty do not only mean the end of occupation, Mubarak said, underlining that a true independence was that of the national will without any external pressures.
On domestic issues, Mubarak said that the number one priority for Egypt and its people right now is to press ahead on the road of democracy, continue economic and social reforms and push the wheel of development forward.
Since 1950s, Egypt has made big strides in national development through various stages and is now facing new challenges, aspirations and priorities to provide a better life to Egyptians and a population that has more than tripled since the start of the revolution, he added.
The Egyptian president also pointed out that confident steps are needed to enhance pluralism and party activity that take into consideration the political lessons before and after the revolution.
Egypt needs more investments and growth and greater job opportunities to provide more and better education and health care services, to expand the social insurance network, to fight poverty and support the limited income brackets, Mubarak noted.
Egypt managed to acquire full sovereignty from Britain on July 23, 1952, which was the origin of the country's national holiday, the Revolution Day.
Source: Xinhua
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