July 22, 2001

President Mohamed Hosni Mubarak address to the nation on the Occasion of 23rd July,
1952 Revolution

Dear fellow citizens,

    Almost half a century has passed since the great July Revolution broke out. Despite all these long years, this significant historical event still poses as one of the most outstanding occurences of human history and the most influential regionally and internationally. Moreover, the revolution still remains an outstanding landmark in the Egyptian history and a basic turning-point in its national course as it changed the system, objectives and philosophy of government. Instead, it established a republican regime that restored dignity to the people and made them the source of authorities. In addition, it laid down the bases of democracy and redistributed the national wealth, thus enabling the more vulnerable categories including workers and peasants to be basic partners who have their shares in the national wealth and the right to participate in political decision-making.

    The revolution rose at the hands of a vanguard of Egypt's faithful sons in the Armed Forces led by Egypt's loyal son Gamal Abdel-Nasser. The revolution saved the nation thatwas on the brink of anarchy and destructive divisions resulting from abandonment of national struggle, failure to confront occupation and the involvement by political parties in side-battles draining out their national efforts.

    Therefore, the masses of people took sides with the Armed Forces vanguard on the 23rd of July. All categories of society supported the revolution, thus embodying the dream of Egyptians over the history of their struggle for an independent, lofty and dignified nation free of occupation forces resting over its lands and capable of protecting its independent. decision. The 23rd July Revolution had inspired many peoples that were struggling for liberation and independence. Moreover, its influence had extended beyond Egypt and the Arab World to become a symbol of struggle by many peoples in Africa, Asia and Latin America to realize their national independence, pride and dignity. Thus, thanks to the overwhelming influence of the 23rd July Revolution on the events of its era, occupation has come to an end in Egypt and the Arab world in addition to most of the Third World countries. Furthermore, most of national liberation battles triumphed, announcing the beginning of a new era and the end of the hegemony of old colonialism that was forced to quit several places all over the world.

    The glorious July Revolution was fully aware that every move it did locally and abroad should be keeping pace with the progress of history because, with its revolutionary sense and consecutive experience, it realized that history was an incessant progress that could never stop at the past experiments and downfalls. Every period has its own political, socio-economic circumstances and variable challenges which should be addressed with flexibility, scientific planning and sound consideration of requirements of the national work at every stage. Therefore, the revolution did not hold the mottoes it raised at any stage as dogmatic texts with absolute timeless sanctity, rather it ensured that its policy was able to differentiate between the constant and variable, to correlate between the past, present and future and deal smartly with tradition and modernity. This was a key factor to its ability to succeed in achieving progress at home and stand out firm against the external challenges. Thus, it deserved to occupy an elevated position among the successful human revolutions of the mid-20th Century.

    One of the constant principles of the July Revolution was its keenness on pursuing sustainable development yielding benefit for all categories of the nation. These constant principles would not be affected if the private sector took a complete chance to be a major partner in the development process. This would enable the private sector to play its role with responsibility and rationality, in addition to full awareness of its socio-economic accountability.

    One of the constant principles of the everlasting July Revolution was siding with vulnerable categories of the society, in order to protect unity and cohesion of the homeland and to maintain its social peace. This deep-rooted principle is not prejudiced but rather enhanced by the endeavour to ensure that balance of interests between all categories of the society should be the proper legal terms of reference in issues of rights and duties.

    Moreover, another major constant principle of July Revolution was to promote our national affiliation and loyalty to our Arab nation and its crucial issues on top of which comes the Middle East issue, where we spare so much efforts to reach a peaceful settlement on the Palestinian, Syrian and Lebanese tracks based on the international legitimacy resolutions and the land - for- peace principle.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

    The world had deeply changed over the past two decades and regional and international conditions are no longer the same. The international polarization era has come to an end, power balance and the world political chart have changed to a great extent. The impact of information and communication technology revolution has intensified. Moreover, with the beginning of the 21st Century, the world has become under the grip of a new world order. International relations are now governed by a new outlook based on mutual interests and benefits, breaking barriers of isolation, discarding war and violence, resolving disputes through dialogue and reaching a compromise without prejudice to legitimate rights and decisive legal constants.

    We can not detatch ourselves from variables of the age. Our duty is to be part and parcel of this evolving world, opening doors and windows without fear or hesitation, communicating with others to help and benefit free of complexes or sensitivities.We should also properly make use of the potential and variables of the age trying to minimize as far as possible its negative aspects and side-effects.The other alternative is to stay behind the bars of isolation accept marginalization and backwardness. While the people of Egypt have achieved the essence of the July Revolution and upheld its firm constants, they allowed themselves the freedom of movement and initiative to rectify the path of the revolution whenever necessary to maintain the safty of the national progress.

    Within the framework of these deep-rooted principles, the July Revolution will always be a part of the conscience and ethos of the Egyptian people, as well as a guiding light to sound national values that should be adhered to and preserved.

    I pray to God Almighty to guide our firm steps for the good of our homeland and nation and to grant us success for what is good. He is the Best Sustainer and Supporter.

May Allah's peace and mercy be upon you