Egypt says it is ready for all eventualities

A senior security official has said that they are ready to deal with anything from drunken hooligans to terrorism.

First Assistant to the Minister of Interior for Security Mohammed Sharawi said Egyptian security was ready to deal with such things as hundreds of drunken football fans waving, singing shirtless and getting into fights.

"The police have a lot of experience dealing with foreigners, their customs and habits," he said.

"There are areas in Egypt where most of the people are foreigners such as Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada."

Egypt is a major international tourist destination which attracted around six million visitors over the past year.

But the country's Islamic culture frowns upon alcohol and drunkenness.

Around 70,000 people flock to Cairo's stadiums, so the police are accustomed to dealing with large numbers Mohammed Sharawi, Egypt's First Assistant to the Minister of Interior

Trouble makers would be identified at an early stage with the help of information from foreign security agencies and checks would be made when fans entered the country, Sharawi said.

He also said the country's security forces had ample experience in dealing with large numbers of people.

"Around 70,000 people flock to Cairo's stadiums, so the police are accustomed to dealing with large numbers," he said.

"Our police have done a lot of work in security for large events...economic and regional conferences and international matches like the under-17 (soccer) championships (in 1997)," he said.

Egypt's security officials stress the country enjoys a high level of security despite the violence and bombings which have afflicted neighbouring states.

"We have efficient forces designed to combat violence and terror crimes who have been trained to a very high level in the United States, Britain and Germany," he said.

Egypt are one of five countries bidding to host the 2010 World Cup the others are Tunisia. Morocco, Libya and South Africa.