CAIRO - Egypt’s parliament will continue debate on Oct. 19 over a military mandate to assist Saudi Arabia, after lawmakers postponed a vote expected on Sunday even as the National Defense Council pledged the kingdom necessary support amid intensified Houthi attacks.
President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi asked parliament to authorize the use of Egypt’s armed forces to help defend Saudi Arabia if the kingdom requests assistance. Reuters reported the delay, citing two lawmakers and local media.
Defense Council Pledges Support
At an Oct. 18 meeting chaired by el-Sissi, the council said Egypt was prepared to provide Saudi Arabia with all necessary and possible forms of support to protect its security, territory, resources and Islamic holy sites.
An official statement also stressed that Saudi security is linked to Egyptian and broader Arab security. Cairo said it would simultaneously intensify diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and pursue peaceful resolutions to regional crises.
Military Mandate Still Under Debate
Egyptian outlet Al Manassa reported that the lower chamber’s extraordinary closed session on Oct. 18 lasted from about 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. Lawmakers decided to resume deliberations the following day.
The Defense Council’s pledge does not amount to completed parliamentary authorization or confirmation that troops have been deployed.
The deliberations mark a new stage in the regional response to the escalating conflict around Yemen. Houthi forces have recently attacked Saudi oil and aviation infrastructure as well as targets in territory held by Yemen’s internationally recognized government.
The central questions now are what mandate Egypt’s leadership will receive and whether it will be activated.
Source: Vesti Baku.