Egyptian Premier Dr. Aziz Sidky told the National Assembly on Tuesday (12 December) that his Foreign Minister, Dr. Mohamed Hassen el Zayyat, will give a full review of Egyptian foreign policy in the near future.

The prime minister was replying to an unprecedented outburst of criticism in parliament about a major policy statement he gave to the house on November 27.

The attack on the government was launched by legislators who accused the government of failing to keep them fully informed about policies - a stand which Dr. Sidky admitted was serious, although he said his government welcomed such criticism.

During the rare outburst of criticism, one member demanded to know: "Where is the Minister of Foreign Affairs? Why does he not make a statement about his talks in Western Europe and the United Nations debate on the Middle East crisis?".

In fact, Foreign Minister Zayyat was still in New York following the United Nations debate.

Legislators later approved a major government policy statement after two days of debate - marked by calls for firm action against corruption deviation, negligence and illicit gains.

Most of the debate, however, centred around preparation of the State for war. Dr. Sidky said a special "war budget" had been set up by the government and that 92 million sterling had been spent on the preparations during the past four years.

Egypt, he said, had tried every method to restore her rights through a just settlement. But Israel, backed by the United States, was challenging the entire world and continued to occupy Egyptian territory.

SYNOPSIS: In Cairo, the National Assembly has approved a major policy statement - but only after two days of debate marked by unprecedented criticism of the government.

The Prime Minister, Dr. Sidky, admitted the gravity of accusations claiming his government had failed to keep members fully informed -although he added that such criticism was welcome. Dr. Sidky then promised the house that a full review of Egyptian foreign policy would be given shortly.

The pledge came after one member of the house demanded to know the whereabouts of the Foreign Minister, Mohamed Hassan el Zayyat - and why he hadn't reported to parliament on his talks in western Europe or on the United Nations Middle East debate. In fact, the foreign minister was still in New York on official business.