BICOM

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta yesterday urged Egyptian leaders to strengthen their communication and cooperation on a bilateral level with Israel. Speaking at a news briefing following a meeting with Egyptians military leaders, Panetta said, “Anything the United States can do to work with both of them to promote that kind of relationship I think would be in the interest of the security of this area.”

With the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, a body of senior officers led by Defence Minister Field Marshal Mohamed Tantawi, Panetta discussed US concerns over the situation in the Sinai Peninsula, threats in the region, continuing efforts to deal with terrorism and continued turbulence along the Israeli-Egyptian border. Panetta told journalist that Tantawi had assured him of the military’s commitment to deal with potential instability in the Sinai and with extremism in the region. “The Egyptian military has worked with the Israelis to get exceptions to limits under the peace treaty so they can produce additional army units,” Panetta said.” They’re taking advantage of Israeli flexibility on that score,” the secretary added, “so we’re encouraged that they’re going to beef up capabilities there to try to reduce the likelihood of future incidents.”

In meetings with Egyptian leaders, Panetta also urged them to release Ilan Grapel, an Israeli-American citizen who has been accused of spying by Egypt and held since June. “We have expressed our concerns about his treatment and have urged that, ultimately, he be released,” Panetta said. “We raised that issue today, as a matter of fact, in discussions.”