Egypt :Israeli civilians are not more privileged than Lebanese
Egypt, Politics, 2/9/2000

Egypt Tuesday condemned Israel's aggression on Lebanon, branding it as extremely serious and unacceptable not because they affect peace, but also because they threaten the Lebanese civilian interests.

"The raids totally contravene with the international law and Geneva Convention," Foreign Minister Amr Moussa said.

"As the Israelis ask that their civilians and civil life should not be touched in north Israel, the same should apply to the rights and interests of civilians in south Lebanon," Moussa told reporters, affirming that Israeli civilians are not more privileged than the Lebanese.

Answering a question on whether Israel is trying to blow up the whole peace process in the Middle East, Moussa said that regardless of such attempts, we cannot tolerate nor remain silent regarding such attacks on civilians in Lebanon.

"Israel cannot talk about protecting civilians within its boundaries without giving the same advantage to the civilians in Lebanon," stressed Moussa, reiterating that this matter is very dangerous.

As to the impact of such operations on the peace process, he said such would create a bad and cloudy atmosphere.

Moussa said that Egypt is holding contacts with several Arab states on this issue and did not rule out the possibility of carrying out contacts with Israel.

Asked on whether the matter calls for a pan-Arab summit, Moussa said holding the summit is required in all circumstances for this situation or for any other one.

Moussa assured that Cairo and Washington will exchange views regarding such escalation.

"Israel should understand that the confrontation in south Lebanon is a direct consequence to occupation as is the case anywhere," Moussa said.

"As long as south Lebanon is occupied, resistance will exist, and that is why the Israelis should reconsider the issue of occupation of lands," he remarked.

The Foreign Minister called for propelling the peace process and showing positive cooperation to reach peace agreements that protect the civilians and provide security for all.

Finally, Moussa urged Israelis to look into the matter from a different perspective because whatever their retaliation, resistance will continue as long as they are capturing lands. Coexistence cannot go hand in hand with occupation. "This is a logical and well-known matter," he said.

Egypt's Ambassador in Tel Aviv Mohamed Bassiouni Tuesday said the Israeli raids on Lebanon could not be accepted. "Egypt rejects the use of force in a bid to solve problems," Israel Radio monitored, quoting the Ambassador as saying.

The Ambassador called for eliminating tension and urged parties to go back to the negotiations table.

Previous Stories:
  Peace Process, blocked on all tracks   (2/8/2000)
  Israel starts major military campaign in south Lebanon   (2/8/2000)
  Moussa conveys message from Mubarak to al-Assad   (2/8/2000)
  Israeli backtracking is clear, peace march should be immediately rescued   (2/7/2000)

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