Egypt's parliament adjourns its emergency session to support Saudi Arabia... and extends it for two days

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The Egyptian House of Representatives adjourned its emergency secret session on Sunday, with discussions to continue tomorrow, Monday, regarding authorizing the Egyptian Armed Forces to take the necessary measures to maintain Arab national security and support Saudi Arabia.

The Egyptian Parliament decided to extend its sessions for three days, until Tuesday, to discuss regional developments and Egypt’s position on supporting Saudi Arabia, in light of the escalation taking place in the region.

Parliamentary sources explained that the decision came to provide the largest number of representatives with the opportunity to speak about the Egyptian position in support of the Kingdom.

The session came in accordance with Article 130 of the internal regulations of the Egyptian House of Representatives, which stipulates that the House approves by a two-thirds majority of its members a declaration of war or sending the armed forces on a combat mission outside the borders of the state, in accordance with Article 152 of the Constitution, during an urgent secret session held at the request of the President of the Republic, after taking the opinion of the National Defense Council.

The Parliament session also came after the Egyptian National Defense Council decided, earlier today, to provide all necessary and possible forms of support to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to defend its security and stability, and to preserve its capabilities, territorial integrity, and Islamic sanctities, during the meeting held by the Council headed by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

The Egyptian presidency said, in a statement, that the Council decided to “stand fully and stand in full solidarity with the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” based on the historical relations and strong ties between the two countries, and out of belief in the connection between Saudi national security and Egyptian and Arab national security.

The Council also decided to continue and intensify political and diplomatic efforts, in coordination with concerned regional and international parties, in a way that contributes to reducing the escalation and settling the crises taking place in the region by peaceful means.

On Saturday, Sisi called on the House of Representatives to hold an emergency session to discuss his mandate to take the necessary measures to support Saudi Arabia, stressing that Egypt will implement any measure to protect and defend the Kingdom.

The Egyptian President also stressed that Cairo does not seek war or attack any party, but rather moves within the framework of defense, stressing Egypt’s refusal to undermine Saudi Arabia’s security and stability, and indicating that any move in this direction requires Parliament’s approval.