• Published 16:29 03.09.10
  • Latest update 16:29 03.09.10

Egypt cancels meeting as Iran FM accuses Arab leaders of betrayal

Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki accused Arab leaders of 'betraying their nations' by attending relaunch of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks in Washington.

By The Associated Press

Egypt has cancelled a visit by Iran's foreign minister to protest comments in which he accused Arab leaders of betrayal for attending the new round of Mideast peace talks in Washington.

Opening of peace talks Sept. 1, 2010 AP

From left, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Jordan's King Abdullah II and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.

Photo by: AP

Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki had been scheduled to visit Cairo Monday for a meeting of Nonaligned Movement members.

Iran has an uneasy relationship with U.S.-allied Arab nations, which have watched Tehran's growing influence in the Middle East with concern because of suspicions over its nuclear program and its support for radical Islamic groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.

Mottaki said Arab leaders who attended the relaunch of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks in Washington this week were "betraying their nations."

"Some leaders ... who follow America's orders must understand that they are betraying their nations," Iran's Fars news agency quoted him as saying on Tuesday.

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Jordanian King Abdullah II attended the talks.

Egypt's Foreign Ministry said it summoned Iran's charge d'affaires in Cairo to notify him it was cancelling Monday's visit and postponing the Nonaligned meeting.

Iran severed ties with Egypt after it signed a peace deal with Israel in 1979 and provided asylum to Iran's deposed Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.

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  • 20. 1 0
    Manouchehr Mottaki
    • Amir
    • 03.09.10
    • 18:26

    Iran wants to see the whole region in termoil, that serves there there agenda of destroying Israel by multiple wars with ther neighbors, Iranian regime is evil ,Manouchehr Mottaki is a clown just like his boss nijad , they just attacked the house of one of their opposition leader and killed his guard, most civilized world are againt them including China that just hit them with more sanctions. Good job Egypt " ( OM EL DONIA)

  • 19. 1 0
    When in trouble..
    • Marion
    • 03.09.10
    • 18:22

    "When in troble ,when in doubt, run in circles,scream and shout". This is an expected reaction of Iran seing efforts are done to make peace between Israel and Palestianians. Inspite of their demagog speeches Iran does not seek the wellness of Palestinians.

  • 18. 3 1
    who is more important
    • selen
    • 03.09.10
    • 18:18

    To win the acceptance of weak and unimportant countries and yes-men (like Mubarak & abdullah & Abbas) is worthless by trying to establish a long term peace. These three yes-men are happy if they can keep their power forever without having acceptance of their folk. Inclusion of strong powers in mid east for a sustainable peace unavoidable. A big mistake is the exclusion of Turkey in this process. Poor policy of US & Israel.

  • 17. 1 0
    Is there a more destructive force in the world today than Iran?
    • Mark
    • 03.09.10
    • 18:18

    While the some Palestinian, Jordanian, Egyptian, and Israeli leaders try and creative something positive, improve the lives of both peoples and create prosperity Iran and it's cronies in Gaza and South Lebanon want to destroy, murder and create misery. It is the same struggle that has been going on throughout history...while some build, create, improve others out of jealousy conspire, murder and destroy!

  • 16. 1 1
    Egypt snubs Iran's FM
    • graczek
    • 03.09.10
    • 18:17

    Iran's FM sometimes can be obnoxious in his statements, but this time he happens to be correct. By colluding with Israel, Egypt commits gross perfidy against Islam and Christendom as well.

  • 15. 1 0
    Can You Say
    • Brazen
    • 03.09.10
    • 18:08

    ISOLATION, hopefully, mubarak, abdullah will see the truth for what it really is?

  • 14. 1 1
    Well Done Egypt
    • Jane
    • 03.09.10
    • 18:07

    Forces are lining up against the Iranian terrorist block and that's fine. Those who oppose Iran's thuggery include the USA, EU, all of the Gulf States, North Africans albeit quietly, Egypt and Jordan and sometimes Turkey. Iran is left with its old standbys Hamas, Hiuzzbulla, and the rest of the radical maniacs including Al Qaeda. We'll see which side wins.

  • 13. 0 1
    Betrayal
    • LAN
    • 03.09.10
    • 18:06

    As Talleyrand said, betrayal is a question of date. Is it betrayal or abandoning a sinking ship? Who betrays who? Who decides about those interests that need to be furthered and those that not? One is a traitor if the betrayed wins but a hero if the betrayed loses. It's all very relative.

  • 12. 1 0
    Good for Egypt
    • James
    • 03.09.10
    • 17:59

    Let the dog barks but be prepared if he attacks.

  • 11. 15 8
    Hosni looks pretty good for 82
    • Eric
    • 03.09.10
    • 17:37

    and thank god for that. What will Egypt be like when he's gone?

  • 10. 1 2
    Israel has got friends
    • Gilad
    • 03.09.10
    • 17:28

    The rest of the people out there who "know" how evil Israel is, have fallen for radical propaganda.

  • 9. 47 32
  • 8. 0 1
    It could be..
    • Sephardi
    • 03.09.10
    • 17:00

    ..to do with "heavy concessions" which both sides are expected to make. If the law is followed, then there need not be heavy concessions. There will, in such a case, be a heavy price politically for Nathan-you-know-who. But on the other hand, Iran struggles to understand that power is what dictates outcomes... and with the US as an older brother, illegalities can become legalities.

  • 7. 26 18
    Canceling visit by Iran FM
    • jake
    • 03.09.10
    • 17:00

    Correct move by Egypt. The significance of what is going to take place requires no commentary from the peanut gallery.

  • 6. 18 7
    The Dictator of Cairo
    • Historian
    • 03.09.10
    • 16:59

    When are we going to call a spade a spade, you basically have two democratically elected representative, Abbas and Netanyahu and two dictators, which really, are a relic of the past. Should there be peace one day, we realistically I highly doubt, i believe Palestine will surpass of the arab world attracting arabs from around the region to relocate their for their freedom and technology.

  • 5. 26 14
    Good Step,Egypt. I love the Iranian People but not Iranian Government with its Medieval mentality Mullahs
    • Tony Silver - Kopenhagen
    • 03.09.10
    • 16:57

    Peace is the right way for Palestinians and Israelis. Enough is enough!

  • 4. 57 32
    Domestic issue for Iran
    • Victor
    • 03.09.10
    • 16:52

    The current middle east situation is characterized by two main power blocks, one Iran/Syria/Lebannon and Turkey, the other Egypt/Sudia Arabia/Jordan and Israel. In these blocks Iran has the least critical interest in the fate of the Palestinians. The many displays of moral support merely serve to buttress domestic support, nothing more.

    • 0 1
      Sunnis vs. Shiites
      • anonymous
      • 03.09.10
      • 17:58

      I wonder if the two power groups fighting are not the Shiites and Sunnis, as well as factions within these groups, western vs. anti-western, secular vs. religious. Egypt faces trouble from shiites in Egypt and from Iran who supports shiites. It is more crucial, I agree for Egypt and Jordan to find a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Iran is more interested in itself and gaining hegemony in the region?

  • 3. 80 41
    Good for Egypt
    • dan
    • 03.09.10
    • 16:52

    for showing some backbone and having mind of their own.

    • 0 0
      "Showing some backbone and having mind of their own"...
      • Skeptic Dude
      • 03.09.10
      • 17:13

      Here we have Sadat's successor showing strong independence... LOL! Sadat (and this is verifiable) was... a CIA agent. He named Mubarak as his successor because he knew this would hardly be the man to challenge his master (in other words... Mubarak is a lacky). Talk about backbone and strong sense of independent thoughts... For, here is a man who let Livni humiliate him by using Cairo as the stage to announce strikes on Gaza... here is a man who relies on US money to stay afloat. What a strong leader Egypt is. Dan is obviously a clever analyst...

  • 2. 82 35
    Well-done Egypt. diplomacy is the only way for peace in the M.East
    • Tony Silver - Kopenhagen
    • 03.09.10
    • 16:52

    Egypt has cancelled a visit by Iran's foreign minister to protest comments in which he accused Arab leaders of betrayal for attending the new round of Mideast peace talks in Washington.

  • 1. 62 72
    I'm sure this will make Iran backtrack...
    • Skeptic Dude
    • 03.09.10
    • 16:46

    But for real, let us asses the situation as it is: 1- Egypt is an old, corrupted, declining power. Around the Arab world, it is regarded as Israel's prime whore. When Egypt shouts, it cannot be heard.. 2- Iran is a new, dynamic, rising power in the region. Around the Arab world, it is regarded as Israel's prime enemy. When Iran shouts, the whole world mounts barricades. Iran can count on rising powers as allies (Turkey, Hezbollah and the Palestinian resistance). Make the maths for yourselves...

    • 2 0
      Did I get that right?
      • Super Skeptic
      • 03.09.10
      • 17:07

      Did I get that right? Hezbollah and Palestinian Resistance are rising powers? You realize that the lands your 'rising powers' come from could be levelled and turned into an amusement park within a year? I did the math, keep your 'rising powers'

    • 20 10
      I'm sceptical
      • Brac
      • 03.09.10
      • 17:25

      When Iran shouts, the world thinks "there goes the paper tiger, again". Of course, Iran is not completely a paper tiger. Just ask its citizens who seek life, liberty and security of the person.

    • 19 13
      Good for Egypt
      • James
      • 03.09.10
      • 17:40

      Skeptic Dude - not to worry, in addition that Israel has a strong army, USA, EU, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan all united ... Iran is very weak!

    • 1 0
      a paper tiger
      • yossi
      • 03.09.10
      • 17:51

      Iran is nothing more than a paper tiger. it bpasts about its air force.. they are flying 50 year old jets and most are not air worthy. They boast about this new rocket powered bomb.. nothing more than the old german buzz bombs of WW2. They show photoshopped pictures of long rang missiles. They have a monkey as head of state. All form, no substance. Give us a break.

    • 0 1
      please let it be more clear.
      • Tony Silver - Kopenhagen
      • 03.09.10
      • 18:04

      Iranian government is one thing. Iranian People are the victims. any war against Iran, ordinary Iranian People will be the only suffering.

    • 0 1
      Turkey will stay out of this next round
      • Elise
      • 03.09.10
      • 18:10

      If Turkey indeed wants to be seen as friendly to ISrael or not, it will stay out of the next round. ISrael also understandds thre turkish mind set and how its forces work. It knows where all teh targets are which could be taken out. The wild card at this point is Hizbullah and Syria. How much pain are they prepared to acept before they stop their nonsense.

    • 0 0