Panetta Discusses Future of Military Relations and Washington's Support for Democracy in Egypt

On his first visit to the Middle East after assuming his new position, Leon Panetta, the American secretary of defense, met with leaders of Egypt, Israel and Palestine and will visit NATO headquarters this week.

To confirm security relations of the U.S. with allied nations and partners in this important part of the world, Panetta is scheduled to meet with the chairman of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, and with Prime Minister Essam Sharaf.

Aboard the plane transporting him to the Middle East, the secretary stated to reporters that the meetings are aimed to assure the strong relations of the Pentagon with the Egyptian side. It is expected that Panetta will discuss with a number of Egyptian authorities topics including the efforts of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces in overseeing the transition of power, which is to be marked by credibility and transparency. Other topics to be discussed include the dedication to strong, long-term military relations between the two countries and the assuring of Washington’s continued dedication to help the armed forces.

Panetta stated, “I want to thank Gen. Tantawi for the help he provided [in September] pursuant to my request when the Israeli embassy was under siege. He was willing to respond and respond quickly to try to help in that situation, and I deeply appreciate that.” (http://m.usembassy.gov/110922/show/ee75eb46d34ef176f2b95999d9203e77&t=21053b089b8b18ee79692a62ae1e6a0d)

Panetta further said that he will urge all Egyptians to proceed with the electoral process, so that Egypt is able to move toward forming a civilian government that represents the people’s hopes and desires. He further assured that the United States will offer any and all help to Egypt in this regard. He stated, “Whatever assistance … we can provide to help them in that process, we certainly are willing to do.” (http://m.usembassy.gov/110922/show/ee75eb46d34ef176f2b95999d9203e77&t=21053b089b8b18ee79692a62ae1e6a0d)

Yesterday, Panetta arrived at Tel Aviv, his first stop in the region, where he met with his Israeli counterpart, Ehud Barak. There, the American secretary of defense confirmed that the decision by Congress to freeze $200 million of aid to the Palestinian Authority was a mistake.

Panetta met separately with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss strong bilateral security and military relations between the U.S. and Israel. They further discussed the main security issues in the region, Israeli borders and the enormous transformations that the Middle East and North Africa are witnessing.

In his statements to the reporters prior to his arrival, the American secretary of defense warned of Israel’s increasing isolation in the Middle East, due to the events of the Arab Spring. He emphasized the necessity for Tel Aviv to begin peace talks with Palestine and to restore good relations with Egypt and Turkey. Panetta confirmed at the same time that the United States will ensure the preservation of Israel’s military superiority in the region. However, Israel must exploit this advantage to achieve peace.

Panetta further posed the question that must be asked: Is it enough to maintain military superiority if you isolate yourself in the diplomatic arena? It is not possible to achieve true peace except through strong diplomatic endeavors and a great effort to protect your military power.

Panetta stated that he will reassure Israel’s leaders when Israel takes a risk for peace. He said, “[W]e will be able to provide the security they will need.” (http://m.usembassy.gov/110922/show/ee75eb46d34ef176f2b95999d9203e77&t=21053b089b8b18ee79692a62ae1e6a0d) He added that his country wants to give the confidence to Israelis so that they are able to take a risk to achieve peace and that they will have room to negotiate. Panetta stressed that he would urge Israel to participate in the peace process.

Panetta also conveyed a similar message to the Palestinian side, where he is scheduled to hold meetings with Palestinian President Mohammed Abbas and Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, calling for their return to negotiations with Israelis.

Panetta states, “These difficult issues that need to be resolved are best resolved at the negotiating table by all of them participating and working on what are obviously difficult issues that can only be resolved through negotiations.” (http://m.usembassy.gov/110922/show/ee75eb46d34ef176f2b95999d9203e77&t=21053b089b8b18ee79692a62ae1e6a0d)

The secretary of defense further stated that he will attempt to help in improving the communication and cooperation between Cairo and Tel Aviv, stressing that the events of the Arab Spring made it important for Israel to repair strained relations with Turkey and Egypt.