Egypt promises help in reaching just peace
Egypt-Israel, Politics, 9/14/2000

Egypt's Foreign Minister Amr Moussa said Egypt will offer assistance to reach a fair agreement regarding the Middle East peace process. Interviewed by CNN, Moussa voiced conviction that the peace process still has a chance to make progress in the coming weeks.

"Efforts should be exerted to reach a framework agreement regarding the main points of Jerusalem, the refugees, mutual security and other crucial issues," he said.

Moussa said it is possible to hold a peace summit if sufficient progress is made at the negotiating table.

According to Moussa, Palestinian President Yasser Arafat is facing the dilemma of being offered to choose between a bad deal or no deal at all.

Asked whether the Palestinians' postponement of state declaration will push the process forward, Moussa advised a wait-and-see stand over what happens during the coming five weeks. He described this period as enough to hold serious negotiations.

Arafat kept President Hosni Mubarak updated on the Palestinian Central Council (PCC)'s decision to postpone the declaration of statehood and to resume peace negotiations hoping an agreement would be reached by mid October.

"Through the issue of Jerusalem is a thorny one, there are other tough issues including the Israeli withdrawal and refugees," said Moussa, adding that the Palestinian should control East Jerusalem while the Israelis have West Jerusalem and both parties should find a way for peaceful co-existence.

Previous Stories:
  Muslims, Christians have great interest in Jerusalem   (7/11/2000)
  Mubarak and Barak discuss the peace process before Camp David summit   (7/10/2000)
  Egypt to recognize the Palestinian State   (6/26/2000)

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