Nonetheless, Egypt's new President Mohammed Mursi has vowed to retake control of the Sinai Peninsula.

BBC: Sinai attack marks step change in border violence

They will be able to supply the Manchester team with seeds and information that covers the Sinai peninsula.

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Port Said, in northeastern Egypt, near the Sinai Peninsula, has had a tense relationship with Cairo dating back about 60 years.

CNN: Fresh clashes erupt in Egypt's volatile Port Said

Egypt has recently conducted offensively oriented war games in the Sinai Peninsula.

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In a televised statement, he condemned what he called a "cowardly" attack and said the security forces would "take full control" of the Sinai peninsula.

BBC: Egypt Israel border attack leaves 'eight gunmen dead'

Dana also announced it had bid successfully for a field block in the southern part of the Sinai Peninsula, east of the Gulf of Suez.

BBC: Dana Petroleum worker at North Zeit Bay operation

The steps announced Sunday come as Egyptian forces are battling militants in the Sinai Peninsula blamed for an attack that killed more than a dozen troops at a border post last week.

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Today, Israel maintains a security buffer between the Egyptian controlled Sinai Peninsula and the Gaza Strip.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Beware of the Gaza trap

Israel surrendered the entire Sinai Peninsula to Egypt and in exchange, Egypt has not staged a military attack against Israel from its territory.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: The legacy of a teetering peace