Maher, Beilin hold talks
Egypt-Israel, Politics, 8/13/2001

Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher voiced appreciation of peace efforts exerted by Yossi Beilin, a former Israeli Knesset member.

Maher said that the two-hour talks with Beilin late Sunday, partially attended by Presidential Advisor Osama A1 Baz, tackled the situation in the region and the need to act immediately for a move out of this grave situation.

"Beilin is exerting important efforts for peace and the resumption of negotiations," Maher said.

He added that Beilin presented his vision of future action that could be summed up in the idea that the Israeli public opinion has started to act in a positive way that should be encouraged.

Beilin tabled viewpoints that would help peace camps on both sides to act in order to resume negotiations.

On his part, Beilin said in news statements that those who believe in peace in Israel and Arab countries should work out a way of this 10-month "nightmare". He described Maher as a man of peace.

Beilin described the situation as crazy and said that those who adopt pro-peace stances should not give in to this madness and exert serious efforts to prevent more deterioration in the volatile situation.

Asked whether he had discussed his ideas with the Israeli government ahead of coming to Egypt, Beilin said that he was not assigned to carry out a certain mission.

"Labour Party's decision to join the coalition government was a mistake," said Beilin.

Asked whether there is a real peace camp in Israel, Beilin said there is a real pro-peace camp but it faces a tough situation.

"True, it is hard to explain the reason for all this after the launch of the process and making peace with Egypt and Jordan but they should stick to hope," said Beilin.

Asked whether he believes the US Administration should change stances over the Israeli government, Beilin said that the administration should change policy over the Israeli and Palestinian sides.

He described as a big mistake the US policy of taking hands off the region.

"I am afraid it will be too late when the Americans decide to get involved in the process again as peace camps will be quite weak and extremists could then have the upper hand," he said.

Previous Stories:
  Sharon and others to be tried as war criminals   (8/9/2001)
  Reporters without frontiers condemn Israeli attack on Egyptian TV correspondent   (8/4/2001)
  Cairo denies intention to cut relations with Israel   (8/4/2001)

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

Search