First Main Committee
Peace building and Peace keeping in Africa
Egypt
Kirsten Pfotenhauer
Hartford Union HS
1947 marks the beginning of a tumultuous history of friction between Egypt and
Israel. Egypt resisted imperialistic powers in the Middle East and tried to save Palestine
from “Zionist aggression.” Egypt continued to attack the Jewish population in Palestine.
By December 1977, however, after a particularly heated episode, Egypt and Israel began
peace negotiations in Cairo. In an effort to break the deadlock, President Carter invited
Egypt’s Anwar Sadat and Israel’s Menachim Begin to Camp David. The negotiations
were tense and almost broke down several times. On September 17, however, Carter
announced that the Camp David Accords had been reached. They consisted of two parts,
the Framework for Peace in the Middle East and the Framework for the Conclusion of a
Peace Treaty between Israel and Egypt with the help of the UN Security Council and the
United States. Conflict in Egypt did not stop there. There was a short cease fire between
the two countries but to no avail. There continues to be a half conflict half peace between
Egypt and Israel. As a result the Egyptian economy has been steadily drained because of
conflict. The UN continues to work with these countries to replace conflict with peace.
Egypt is making strides in the right direction. They have recently voted in favor
of many resolutions to disarm the Middle East and Africa of nuclear weapons though
they are not ready to give up all weapons of defense. The money to finance nuclear
weapons is not present though they have attempted nuclear weapon construction in the
past. Since 1974, Egypt has subscribed to the Treaty of nonproliferation of Nuclear
Weapons and taking steps to render the Middle East a nuclear-weapons free zone. Egypt
has also taken steps to help conceive an area free of weapons of mass destruction. Egypt
continues to concentrate on increasing conventional forces. Chemical and biological
weapons are being constructed. Because of this, Egypt supports disarmament of nuclear
weapons in the world as a measure toward peace but they do not, however, agree with the
disarming of conventional defensive forces. Egypt believes that part of a peaceful region
of the world is getting rid of weapons of mass destruction and nuclear weapons. A
certain percentage of only certain types of weaponry are necessary for country defense,
security and confidence. There should be decided exceptions to resolutions that involve
peacemaking and have voluntary cooperation from all parties. There should be specific
expectations to countries required to participate in decided peace resolutions.
Egypt would like to continue making strides toward peace. Previous
peacemaking efforts have not always been successful. With the help of the UN, Egypt
would like to improve relations with disputing countries. Peaceful relations would
benefit all countries both economically and strengthening of peace world wide. Egypt
would appreciate the help of the UN in facilitating peaceful resolutions with opposing
countries. In order to do this, treaties that both parties agree upon is necessary. Also, the
gradual retraction of military forces used for force of invasion and other war actions will
only help secure safety for future generations. Countries alone cannot do this alone.
Egypt requests the help of the UN in facilitating future peace agreements, treaties and
operations.