(contents)
Chapter 2 Global wave – The end of
colonial era and the emerging two super powers (21)
059 Six Day War and the death of
Nasser (3/3)
President Nasser thought that hi had to take
responsibility for the defeat. He announced his resignation at night on June 9,
1967. But Egyptian citizens thought that there was only Nasser that could save
Egypt. Just after the announcement of resignation, citizens in Cairo launched a
march on the street and asked for Nasser to change his mind. A huge wave of march
appeared in the dark street under the blackout. Only three and a half hours
later, Nasser made a statement to leave his decision of resignation to the
National Assembly. Early on the 10th June, the National Assembly urged Nasser
to stay as head of state. Nasser decided to continue his presidency.
In August, the Arab countries
held an Arab summit meeting in Khartoum in Sudan and adopted a hardline policy
against Israel. It was called “Three No’s”. They were; "NO acceptance of
Jewish nation”, "NO negotiation with Israel", and "NO peace
agreement between Arab and Israel". In fact, both Egypt and Jordan wanted
to regain their territory from Israel through peaceful negotiation with
intermediation by US. But their hope was swept away by the loud voice of the
many Arab leaders.
Nasser had kept the presidency
for nearly three years afterwards. He had to understand that he himself was
almost lame duck. In August 1970, he achieved the ceasefire with Israel. Next
month he suddenly died of a heart attack at the age of 52.
(To be continued ----)
(From an ordinary citizen in the cloud)
No comments:
Post a Comment