Egypt's Sisi vows never to give up inch of Egyptian lands

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi stressed on Sunday that his government will never give up any inch of Egypt's lands and "will take all measures to preserve homeland and develop it," state-run MENA news agency reported.

"I assure everyone that the state institutions and the armed forces understand the importance of preserving our nation's territories," said the president.

Sisi made the remarks in his speech ahead of the 34th anniversary of the Sinai Liberation Day which marks the 1982 withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from the Sinai Peninsula.

He said restoring Sinai by war and negotiations represents a magnificent epic manifesting the importance of preserving Egyptian lands.

"Restoring Sinai and then Taba was a great manifestation of the integration of Egyptian military, diplomatic and legal capabilities," the Egyptian president said.

Sisi's speech came days after Egypt's official transfer of two controversial islands to his oil-rich ally Saudi Arabia.

The move has triggered criticism against Sisi and his government, with calls for mass nationwide anti-government demonstrations on the national day for Sinai Liberation which falls on Monday.

"Any right should be protected by force and certainly needs a wise mind capable of making the best use of state tools to preserve national security and fully bring back usurped rights," he stressed.

Source: XINHUA