Final status of Jerusalem should be determined through negotiations
Egypt-Regional, Politics, 3/10/2001

Al-Quds is an Arab city whose final status can only be determined through negotiations, Foreign Minster Amr Moussa said on Thursday.

"The Arab countries object to considering Al-Quds a capital for Israel, as long as the other part of the city - East Jerusalem - is not recognized as a capital for the Palestinians," Moussa noted.

Moussa was answering questions by reporters on the minister's assessment of the statement of the Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon before the Knesset after declaring the formation of his new coalition government.

Moussa described as positive what Sharon said that he was extending his hand with peace adding that it is hoped these words reflect a different thinking of Sharon.

"This peaceful hand should not carry the previous anti-peace policies; practices and statements that marred peace before," Moussa said, adding that the peace which Sharon was offering had to be based on international legitimacy and the land-for-peace principle.

Asked to comment on Sharon's making it a condition that the Palestinian Intifada must stop before resuming negotiations, Moussa said that halting the Intifada is linked to putting an end to the Israeli violence and siege of Palestinian areas.

"The Palestinian Intifada, even though described by the Israelis as acts of violence, is a reaction to the Israeli violence and a result of the Palestinian frustration with the failure of the peace process," he said.

"The security of all sides depends on achieving real progress in the peace process, and not just talking about peace," Moussa noted.

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