Perhaps the best advice I can offer is to suggest that they consult scholarly and scientific works on military history before making any more absurd insinuations. On the other hand, if the aim of Porat s article was to pressure the US Congress not to ratify the arms deal with Egypt, I am certain that it will meet with a rational response in Washington. The US government, represented by both the Administration and Congress, is fully aware of the nature of the situation in the Middle East. It knows how important it is to maintain strong relations with Egypt, and it also knows the precise source of all the problems and disturbances that are constantly threatening to jeopardize the stability of the region. To conclude, I can only tell Porat and his like that security is a question of perception.
Peace of mind can only emanate from the provisions of a just and comprehensive peace.
Such a sense of security can never be reached by those who choose to cower behind an arsenal of weapons, no matter how powerful, and who continue to refuse to abide by their pledges and treaties while casting groundless aspersions against others. The event, expected to last for five days, is intended to encourage French investments in Egypt and will be inaugurated by French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin. More than 180 French companies are expected to participate in this exhibition, including 50 companies already operating in Egypt. Commercial exchange between Egypt and France is currently at LE5.7 billion, making France the third largest exporter to Egypt. French joint- ventures stands at approximately LE 988 million.