Egypt parliament resumes debate on sending troops to support Saudi Arabia

Egypt's House of Representatives has resumed debate on authorizing President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to send forces to defend Saudi Arabia against Houthi attacks.

• Parliament held two emergency secret sessions last week, hearing from about 150 MPs before today's third session.
• MP Mostafa Bakry said the session may vote on the authorization request, with the general trend leaning toward approval.
• President Sisi said the military effort for Saudi Arabia aims only to defend Saudi territory and borders, excluding any attack on Yemen.
• Under Article 152 of the constitution, sending troops on combat missions abroad requires approval of at least two-thirds of MPs.
• Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said any Egyptian troop deployment to Saudi Arabia would be defensive and require constitutional procedures and parliament approval.
• Egypt is intensifying contacts with regional and international partners, coordinating with Turkey, Pakistan and Qatar to support de-escalation of the Iran-US crisis.