Speculation is rife here about a possible large-scale arms deal between Austria and Egypt. This has been triggered by the fact that Chancellor Bruno Kreisky was accompanied on his official visit to Egypt by the managing director of an Austrian arms firm.
For a few months, more than 100 Kuerassier tanks have been waiting for a buyer, after a planned deal with Chile was prevented by protests of Socialist and Christian organizations in Austria. So far, these tanks have been sold to Tunisia, Morocco, Argentina and Bolivia. Saudi Arabia has also expressed interest in buying the tanks.
Meanwhile, news reports from Cairo said that President Anwar Sadat told a news conference today marking the end of Kreisky’s visit to Egypt that the Austrian leader proposed inviting Egyptian Defense Minister Ahmed Badawi to Vienna to inspect military hardware, particularly advanced light tanks. Sadat said Badawi will visit Austria as soon as he receives a formal invitation.
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