CAIRO: Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab travelled to Luxor Thursday to inspect the security situation in the wake of the suicide bombing rocked the parking area at Karnak Temple, Youm7 reported.
He also visited the Ramesseum Temple and Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir al-Bahari west of Luxor and was accompanied by ministers of tourism, Antiquities, industry, transportation and communication.
“Egypt is safe,” said Mahlab in a televised speech aired from Karnak Thursday.
Mahlab visited the touristic market and entered some souvenirs’ shops and bazars.
In a bid to revive the tourism sector, Mahlab announced a reduction in entrance fees to museums at the 5,000 year-old city including the Luxor Museum and Mummification Museum.
Mahlab also has inaugurated fruits and vegetables packing factory in Luxor.
Three explosive devices were neutralized Wednesday near Karnak Temple after a suicide bomber rocked the parking area of the temple, killing himself and another attacker and injuring at least five Egyptians including a police officer, according to Youm7.
For his part, Antiquities Minister Mamdouh al-Damaty said “no casualties were reported among tourists who were visiting the temple during the explosion,” said Youm7.
Tourism policemen at the site have foiled two other suicide attacks targeting the 4,000 year-old temple.
Entrances to all Egypt’s temples, archaeological sites and hotels are secured by metal detector gates.