Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak came to Washington this week seeking support for his country’s annual $2.1 billion dollars in foreign aid.
Recognizing that budget cutters on Capitol Hill were turning a less sympathetic ear toward foreign aid in general and aid to Egypt in particular, the Arab leader sought to smooth relations with the united States and Israel.
Mubarak reportedly told members of Congress that he would sign the nuclear Non- Proliferation Treaty.
According to one congressional aide, Mubarak realized that he “must make peace with Israel and the administration over the NPT if he is going to get the $2.1 Billion.
Tension has mounted in recent months over Egypt’s refusal to sign the NPT unless Israel agreed to sign as well, which would open its nuclear facilities to international inspections.
Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin has said that he would sign the treaty only after comprehensive peace comes to the Middle East, including with nations such as Libya, Iran, and Iraq.
Mubarak reportedly told members of Congress that he accepted israel’s position.
During his four-day visit this week, Mubarak met with Secretary of State Warren Christopher as well as with key members of Congress.
Mubarak was scheduled to meet with President Clinton and representatives from the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations on Wednesday.
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