Oct 4, 2001

Brothers and Sons, Officers and Soldiers of the Armed Forces,
It gives me great pleasure to be with you today to celebrate the anniversary of the 6th October war this year.

    On this occasion we would like to stress together a number of great values and meanings that, I trust, you will always keep in mind, especially as we are confronting critical conditions threatening the security and stability not only of the Middle East but also the whole world.

    Such conditions need courage of thought and wisdom of reason in order for peace to triumph and welfare and stability to prevail.

    October War far exceeded its value as a successful military operation, that rectified the improper conditions of the setback and restored the prestige of the nation and dignity, pride and self-confidence of the Egyptian military.

    The first lesson the Egyptian people had learnt from the setback and the glorious 6th of October victory was that the security of the homeland could not be safeguarded unless we maintained a strong army capable of facing challenges of a new era.

    Under such circumstances the triumph of right and ligitimacy depend to a great extent on instruments of power that oblige forces of aggression to reconsider their stances a thousand times before contemplating any action against us.

    Hence, we are always keen to upgrade our Armed Forces and maximize their training and combat capabilities, in order to boost our ability to defend peace and security of the homeland.

    This is particularly important with the rise of some irresponsible hard-liners that still incite military actions against Egypt and other countries in the region.

    Today, I can say with full confidence that the bitter experiement of Egypt in 1967 will never recur.

    Although we will never be initiators of aggression, we will be able anytime to fend off any aggression and inflict unbearable losses on any party that dares attack us.

    This should by no means weaken our resolve to pursue peace, that emanates from a deep belief in its relevance to stability and prosperity.

    However, peace should be established on the basis of mutual will to discard conflicts and reach a comprehensive and just settlement, rather than attempting to forcefully impose fait accompli beyond the principles of legitimacy and justice.

    In the course of our march towards peace, our Armed Forces normally had to cohesively unite with Egypt's great people.

    This people lined up behind the Armed Forces, as they were fighting the most noble battles in defence of honour, land and dignity.

    Moreover, the Armed Forces have shared their expertise and capabilities in the process of our perseverent pursuit of development, upgrading and modernization, in addition to building new urban and industrial communities, expanding cultivable areas and providing housing and food.

    Shouldering their responsibilities in the best way, they well deserved the love and appreciation of the Egyptian people.

    Greetings to the great people of Egypt who have backed up and provided all assistance to their Armed Forces; fully confident of their ability to restore land and dignity.

    Greetings to our valiant Armed Forces that had asserted in October 1973 that 1967 defeat will never recur.

    Through the courage of their men and the sacrifices of their martyrs on that day, they made a lofty glory, restoring the pride of the Egyptian military and dignity of the nation.

    Greetings to Egypt's faithful son Late President Mohammad Anwar El-Sadat who undertook a grave historical responsibility through his brave decision on 10th of Ramadan (corresponding to) 6th of October.

    This decision had set for the war a great noble aim,i.e. peace based on justice in order to realize security and stability for all parties.

    May Allah guide us to the path of success,

    May His peace, mercy and blessings be upon you