Egyptian contacts aimed at breaking peace impasse
Egypt-Israel, Politics, 9/8/2001

Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher Thursday said that Egypt's relations with Israel were aimed at providing a diplomatic channel to serve the Palestinian cause and help push forward the regional peace process.

Egypt was the first Arab country to sign a peace treaty with Israel in 1979, Jordan followed in 1994.

"Contacts made by Dr. El-Baz were part of Egypt's contacts with different parties to lay emphasis on the importance of resuming negotiations on the agreed basis to reach a lasting and comprehensive peace," added Maher.

He was commenting on a reported meeting between Osama El Baz, President Hosni Mubarak's Political Advisor, and Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres in Cyprus.

He said that such contacts were made with the Palestinians' consent. But no-one has the right to veto Egypt's contacts, he noted.

Asked if the meeting was in compliance with an American wish to abort Europe's Mideast moves, the Egyptian official said: This is nonsense.

We do not move according to American desires. Our decisions are prompted by Egypt's national commitment.

Previous Stories:
  Israeli claims refuted   (9/4/2001)
  Al-Baz denies visiting Israel secretly   (9/4/2001)
  Mubarak express resentment at Israel's use of force against Palestinian activists   (8/29/2001)

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