Necessity to narrow gap between Palestinians, Israelis
Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 1/31/2001

Egypt's Foreign Minister Amr Moussa underlined the necessity of narrowing the gap between the Palestinians and Israelis so as to reach a peace agreement that settles pending issues and leads to the declaration of the independent Palestinian state along with that of Israel.

In an interview with the Paris-based Europe Radio, Moussa said that the two sides have not reached an agreement during the recent Taba negotiations, as the offer presented to the Palestinians was not enough.

"There are some issues that should be solved in accordance with the international legitimacy such as those of refugees, Jerusalem, land and borders," he added.

In reply to a query on whether Israel gives everything to the Palestinians who have presented nothing, he said that this is not true as the negotiations are held on occupied lands and not on lands belonging to Israel. "These are not Israeli concessions to the Palestinians," he added.

Answering another question on whether contacts were held between Egypt and the new American Administration, he said that contacts have already been conducted with the new American Administration.

He underlined that the new American Administration is interested in the Middle East issue, adding that each administration has its way in dealing with the issue.

Moussa, in his interview, said that Egypt sides with the Israeli Prime Minister who would hold peace talks on the basis of UN resolutions and Madrid terms of reference.

Asked on whether there would be certain dangers if Israeli Right Wing Leader Ariel Sharon wins the upcoming Israeli elections, Moussa said dangers are always there.

"And if Sharon wins we will have to wait and see his political line this time not as an opposition leader but as a Prime Minister," he added.

He admitted that tension and violence are engulfing the area at present and warned if the negotiations do not go on, confrontations and violence will only increase.

"We cannot accept that we just cancel all what we have agreed upon and start all over again or go back to square one," he said.

"Egypt, the Arab area, France and Europe are waiting to see what will happen," he said.

If there were Israeli plans to return to square one the outcome would be indeed dangerous regarding stability in the entire area.

Speaking of the issue of refugees Moussa said that the issue must be solved in accordance with the UNSC resolution 194, agreed upon by all members of the international body except Israel.

"We should not delay the settlement of this problem and there is no solution to it except through applying international legitimacy," he said.

"The Palestinian land cannot be returned without the return of Palestinian people," he said.

Asked to assess the role played by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, he said that there is a consensus that he has done a lot for peace.

But the failure of the negotiations and the Israeli army operations against the Palestinians has gravely undermined his policy.

On talks with his French counterpart Hubert Vedrine and France's role vis-a-vis the Middle East process Moussa said; we want the French role to support the international legitimacy.

We do not want France to take sides or support one party at the expense of the other.

When asked on the European role, Moussa said Europe is geographically present and it can play a role in the Middle East.

Previous Stories:
  Arafat speaks on the telephone with Mubarak   (1/30/2001)
  Egypt follows up Taba negotiations   (1/24/2001)
  Taba negotiations discuss modified version of Clinton's proposals   (1/24/2001)

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