Middle East Newsline reports that Egypt has apparently turned down a U.S. request for the use of military bases. Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak rejected an American appeal for the basing of U.S. security forces in Egyptian facilities. "Mubarak does not compromise on independent decision-making," Egyptian Information Minister Safwat Sherif said, "nor does he allow meddling in our internal affairs or the establishment of military bases in Egypt." The proposed deployment was meant to ensure the safety of U.S. naval vessels transporting personnel and equipment to the Persian Gulf.