The Arabian thinker Elshorafa Elhmadai writes:This is the historical role of Sheikh Zaye in October’s victory

Translated by: Heba Mohamed Masou

Summary:

With the 52nd commemoration of the Sixth of October, where Egypt achieved an unprecedented miraculous victory over Israel, the great Arabian thinker Ali Mohamed Elshorafa Elhmadai, the former Director of Sheikh Zayed’s Diwan, presents his historical testimony about the role of Sheikh Zayed in supporting Egypt during the war.

He says:

“Sheikh Zayed Ibn Sultan Al Nahyan, may Allah rest his soul, had a historical role in supporting Egypt when he cut off oil to America and the Western countries.

He said his long-lasting historical quote: ‘The Arab oil is not more precious thanthe Arab blood.’”

Details in the following context:

Cutting off Oil:

Elshorafa Elhmadai, the Director of Sheikh Zayed’s Diwan, says:

“During the 10th of Ramadan War, Sheikh Zayed, may Allah rest his soul, was the first Arab country President to initiate the decision of cutting oil to America and the West. I witnessed this historical event when I was asked to connect him to the Emirati Minister of Petroleum at that time, Mr. Mane’ El Otiba. That happened during the meeting of the members of OAPEC, the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries. Before the conference ended, and after I connected him to the minister, I heard him give instructions to announce in a press conference in Kuwait his decision to cut off petroleum.”

He said his famous quote:

“The Arab petroleum is not more precious than the Arab blood.”

A Testimony to History:

Elshorafa added:

“After Sheikh Zayed’s decision, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia took the same position two days later.

This is my testimony to history, so that everyone receives their due credit and is not lost in the crowd of hypocrisy. Also, Egyptians should know the honorable stance of Sheikh Zayed and his solidarity with his Egyptian brothers. This confirms his Arabism and his financial support for the Armed Forces during the October War, as testified by the late President Hosni Mubarak. That happened when I met him as a representative of the late Sheikh Zayed to offer condolences on the death of President Anwar Al-Sadat, where he deeply thanked Sheikh Zayed for his financial support. That support benefited the Air Forces in securing spare parts for jet fighters, in addition to Sheikh Zayed’s stance to cut petroleum. This opened a wide front with Americans and Arabs to exert pressure on Israel to withdraw from Sinai. He triumphed for Egypt and was a real participant in the war of Arab dignity.”The Live Conscience of the Nation:

Elshorafa Elhmadai continued:

“I am writing these events neutrally and faithfully for a man representing the live conscience of the nation. He always sought to heal the wounds of the Arab nation. He took initiatives among brothers to unite them. He believed that Egypt is the main milestone for the future of the Arab nation. It is the only base for its national security.

It is noteworthy to mention that before Israel’s invasion of Lebanon, the late Sheikh Zayed directed to meet King Khaled to restore relations with Egypt. It was necessary to confront the Israeli attack, which Israel carried out. That happened after Sheikh Zayed informed Yasser Arafat that Israel intended to invade. Sheikh Zayed tackled the topic of restoring Arab relations with Egypt for the sake of national security. It is also the only power able to combat all kinds of invasion against the Arab world.”

Egypt’s Return to the Arabs:

In that regard, Elshorafa pointed out that Sheikh Zayed was the only Arab leader who broke the shackles that hindered Egypt’s return to the Arab world. He announced, after the conclusion of the Arab Summit in Amman, Jordan, the restoration of diplomatic relations with the Arab Republic of Egypt. His Excellency Rashed Abdallah was sent as the UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs carrying a message to the late President Hosni Mubarak.

National Positions:

He concluded his speech:

“This is Zayed, may Allah rest his soul, who realized through his awareness and vision the central role of Egypt in the Arab world. His national and neutral positions will remain. He always called for and fought to achieve Arab cooperation and unity.”