Egypt’s Parliament Authorizes Saudi Military Support for Defense

Egypt’s House of Representatives on Monday authorised President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to take the necessary measures to support and defend Saudi Arabia, clearing the way for possible Egyptian military assistance if Riyadh requests it. MPs approved the mandate in a closed session chaired by Speaker Hisham Badawi in the New Administrative Capital, meeting the two-thirds majority the constitution requires, local media reported. Under its terms, the president can take the necessary steps, in coordination with Saudi Arabia, to defend Saudi territory. The vote does not mean Egyptian forces have been deployed. Article 152 of Egypt’s constitution names the president supreme commander of the Armed Forces, but bars him from declaring war or sending forces on a combat mission abroad without first consulting the National Defence Council and securing the approval of two-thirds of MPs. Article 130 of the House’s internal regulations requires the vote to take place in an urgent, closed session held at the president’s request. El-Sisi asked for the mandate on Saturday 17 October, during a graduation ceremony at the Egyptian Military Academy. “It is inconceivable that we would allow Saudi Arabia, its security or stability to beContinue reading "Egypt’s Parliament Authorizes Saudi Military Support for Defense" The post Egypt’s Parliament Authorizes Saudi Military Support for Defense first appeared on Egyptian Streets.