PORT SAID (EGYPT): President Anwar Sadat reopened the Suez Canal today [June 5] “as a contribution to peace” and sailed through it aboard the destroyer “October Sixth” — named for the date of the Ramadan war which restored the waterway to complete Egyptian control. “Egypt presents this step as a gift to the world in order to help the lives of all friendly and peace-loving peoples,” Mr Sadat said... . But he warned there could be no real peace in the Middle East until Israel withdrew from occupied Arab land. “Egypt declares its determination to do its holy duty towards its land in the Sinai, in the Golan, Palestine and the usurped rights of the Palestinians. …”

Thousands of people massed along the streets of this still war-battered city as President Sadat’s motorcade swept by. … The crowds shouted: “Ya Sadat, Ya Sadat”, as the President, introduced by a radio announcer as the “Hero and the Maker of Miracles”, rose to speak. He stood on a rostrum shaped like an ancient Pharaonic vessel outside the headquarters of the Suez Canal Authority. … It is natural that this channel should again serve the world community … Mr Sadat said. — News agencies

Published in Dawn, June 6th, 2025