Palestinians should run Al Haram Al Sharif
Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 12/18/2000

"A just and comprehensive peace in the region can never be reached unless Arab rights on all tracks are honored," said President Hosni Mubarak's Political Advisor Osama Al-Baz.

Speaking late Sunday at the Islamic Thought Forum, organized by the Supreme Council for Islamic affairs, Baz said that AL Haram AL-Sherif (Noble Sanctuary) should be run by a religious administration and that Palestinians are supposed to be the side that have sovereignty over it.

"The continued Palestinian AL Aqsa Intifada had committed Muslims towards the Palestinian issue, "said Baz.

He added that Arabs and Palestinians never accept any Israeli sovereignty over this area.

The Arab and Islamic nations made it clear and loud during Arab and Islamic summits that only Muslims should have sovereignty over that spot.

"Israel should admit that violence is not an aim in per se and that a continued Arab-Israeli conflict poses a large threat, especially if war erupts," said Baz.

He added that the US , the Former Soviet Union, Europe as well as Asian and Latin American countries had realized this fact and taken a pro-Arab stance.

"Israelis should be realistic, learn the lesson, stop their violations and work for peace," said Baz.

"The military option was indispensable in the October War and it taught Israel a lesson on military superiority," said Baz .

He added that Egypt had worked by all means to conclude the Camp David Peace Treaty in 1979.

"The Palestinian people has the right to declare the Palestinian state at any time," he said.

Asked about nominating Colin Powell as US Secretary of State, Baz described him as open-minded and practical.

He added that the US Administration should hold consultations with countries concerned before adopting stances.

"Arab and Islamic states should bridge the development's gap with just as some Islamic, African and Asian countries have done," said Baz.

He called for joint ventures between Egypt, Syria, Morocco, Tunisia and other countries.

Previous Stories:
  Incidents in Palestinian territories overshadow UN work   (12/16/2000)
  Mubarak reviews outcome of meetings by fact-finding committee in Palestinian territories   (12/13/2000)
  Negotiations possible only after confidence returns   (12/13/2000)

Please add a link on your webiste pointing to ArabicNews.com and bookmark ArabicNews.com & subscribe to our daily email news bulletin.

Search