Baz warns Israel of wasting chance for peaceful coexistence
Egypt-Israel, Politics, 10/29/2001

Egyptian Presidential Political Advisor Osama El-Baz warned Israel late Saturday of wasting a golden chance for peaceful coexistence with the Palestinians.

In a meeting organized by the foreign correspondents society, Baz spoke of dim hopes to thrash out an agreement between the Palestinian Authority and the Israeli government with the underway efforts by the US, EU, Russia and the EU chief's envoy.

"Although a specific conclusion has not been reached, some steps have been taken over the past days," he said, hoping they would yield an agreement in the near future to end the hardships suffered by the Palestinians and Israelis and prevent further complications.

He highlighted an Arab solidarity to back the Palestinians politically, economically, diplomatically and psychologically.

"Arabs have ideas and proposals to reach solutions for current problems and are giving advice to both Palestinians and Israelis," Baz said.

"President Mubarak held contacts with US President George W. Bush, French President Jacques Chirac, German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, Russian President Vladimir putin and heads of state of Belgium, Italy and Spain to help iron out a settlement for the Palestinian cause.

All Arab capitals are sending the self-same message to the West, namely, that the current situation is destructive to the Middle East peace process," said the president advisor, adding that several countries are dispatching their envoys to the region to help work out a solution.

Responding to a question on whether the continuation of Israeli premier Ariel Sharon's policies might lead to an Arab oil boycott, Baz ruled out such a move.

He expressed his conviction that the current policy of the Israeli policy would lead to changing the Israeli government.

Several Israelis now believe that Sharon failed to achieve peace and security, Baz said, noting the number of Israelis killed under Sharon exceeded the number of those killed under any other Israeli government.

"Although there is no direct link to the Palestinian cause, yet the situation in the Middle East region and the conflicts worldwide, contributed-to causing the attacks on the USA" Baz said.

"We back the American campaign against terrorist activities and recognize the US right to retaliate in accordance with international legitimacy laws provided that the retaliation is appropriate," he added.

The President advisor expressed hope the Anglo-American bombardment of the Afghan people would stop before the Muslims' holy fasting month of Ramadan in respect of Muslims' sentiments.

On criticism levelled at Egypt for not backing the coalition against terrorism, he said Egypt backs the campaign against terror for several reasons, one of which that it was once a victim of terrorism.

The West did not cooperate with Egypt in combating terrorism over the past years, Baz said, adding that Britain, Scandinavian countries harboured the perpetrators who committed crimes punishable by death.

Previous Stories:
  Sharon insist to remain outside international legitimacy   (10/27/2001)
  Israel has to withdraw from Palestinian self-rule territories   (10/27/2001)
  Mubarak: Israel's security will always be at stake without peace   (10/25/2001)

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