(19 Sep 1997) English/Nat
The lethal terrorist attack on a tourist bus in Cairo has left an atmosphere of unease over the city, and placed tourists on their guard.
The petrol-bomb and machine gun attack killed nine German tourists, and the driver of the coach, outside Cairo's main museum.
As the tourism industry suffers a heavy blow, the Egyptian Government is playing down speculation that terrorism may once more be a feature in the capital.
The attack on the bus carrying 33 German tourists was the first major attack in Cairo by Islamic radicals in 17 months.
In April 1996 radicals opened fire on a group of Greek tourists near the pyramids killing 18.
Terrorist activity is usually confined to the south of the country, where gunmen target Nile cruise boats and tourist coaches.
Egypt is a very popular destination for Western tourists, and August saw nearly half a (m) million people visiting the country, the highest figure to date.
This ruthless attack has left tourists wary, but resigned to the fact that terrorism is a worldwide problem
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"I think unfortunately it's part of life all over the place. There's a lot of security here, it looks very safe to me, I haven't got any worries about being here"
SUPER CAPTION: English tourist
SOUNDBITE: (Italian)
Q. "You're not afraid?"
A. " A, bit, a little bit, but you know..."
SUPER CAPTION: Italian tourist
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"It can happen, so, here under the sun of Egypt. It can happen in Germany, it happens in Bosnia, so what the hell?"
SUPER CAPTION: German tourist
As Egypt strives to become a major force in the global economy this recent attack in the capital could prove to be a major setback.
Tourism is the second largest source of foreign currency for Egypt, and was playing a major part in the country's plans for economic privatisation.
Despite government reassurances to the worldwide tourism industry, the attack cannot but influence people's decision making when booking a holiday abroad.
The survivors from the attack were questioned by Egyptian police after the incident, but there was no comment from the German Embassy in Cairo.
SOUNDBITE: (German)
"Actually I don't want to (comment), you know that the consulate cannot give out any statements, I therefore ask you to respect this."
SUPER CAPTION: Spokesman, German Embassy
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the killings, but police indicated that the gunmen were Muslim extremists.
Police identified two of the suspects as Saber Farhat Abu el-Ulla, a failed pop singer, and his brother Mahmoud.
A police statement said Saber Abu el-Ulla had been convicted of a 1993 attack on a posh Cairo hotel that left two Americans and a Frenchman dead.
It said he had been committed to a mental institution but escaped three days ago.
However, police officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said he had been released after spending two years in the institution.
The attack was organised and ruthless, leaving the bus a burnt-out shell after the petrol bombs were thrown inside.
Victims who attempted to escape were raked with machine-gun fire.
The security forces were quickly on the scene.
SOUNDBITE: (Arabic)
"I heard several gun shots, we heard a very loud noise and then the security forces started shooting at them. I heard that two of them died next to the bus."
SUPER CAPTION: Vox Pop
While the events outside Cairo museum on Thursday are investigated, the business community is fearing a future in the wilderness.
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