Egypt Rejects U.S. Defense Umbrella

CAIRO [MENL] -- Egypt has rejected a U.S. proposal for a nuclear defense umbrella in the Middle East.

Egypt's state-owned Al Gumhoriya newspaper said President Hosni Mubarak has opposed any U.S. defense pact in the Middle East. Al Gumhoriya, the largest daily in Egypt, said Mubarak's opposition was not linked to Israel's participation in the U.S. plan.

"Egypt will not participate in any such thing, even if Israel does not participate," Al Gumhoriya said on Aug. 20.