Egypt - Israel talks on power cooperation depend on progress in peace
Egypt-Israel, Politics, 4/13/2000

"Allowing Israel access to the Arab Mashreq electrical grid depends on how much progress it makes in the peace process," said Minister of Electricity Ali El-Saedi.
   
In a news conference with the visiting Israeli Minister of Infrastructure Eli Suissa, Saedi said the construction of new electric plants in Sinai is subject to technical and economic criteria, adding that he will visit Israel in the proper time.

On his part, Suissa said his talks in Egypt focus on possible cooperation in the electric and petroleum fields, hoping the visit would open up the doors of cooperation which have been closed for 21 years since the signing of the peace accords between the two sides.

Suissa denied that Israel has any nuclear plants to generate electricity, noting that such plants are not necessary now or in the near future due to the discovery of natural gas in Israel.

The Israeli Minister emphasized that dumping hazardous nuclear waste in Beir Sheba is closely monitored to ensure that no radiation spreads inside or outside Israel.

Answering a question on Israel's attempts to reap the fruits of peace before fulfilling its commitments, Suissa cited the complexity of the process.

He said his talks with the Egyptian officials also aim to sign an agreement on importing gas via a pipeline despite the new discoveries of gas in Israel.

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