Calls for more efforts to prevent further deterioration in Mideast
Egypt-Regional, Politics, 12/5/2001

Egyptian Minister of Information Safwat A1 Sherif Tuesday called for exerting more efforts to prevent further deterioration in the Middle East.

In an interview with the BBC, Sherif asserted the importance of contacts by Egypt and Jordan with all the parties concerned both Israelis and Palestinians in cooperation with the European Union, Russia, and the United Nations to end the vicious circle of violence and bring the two sides to hold dialogue.

He referred to the Mitchell recommendations and Tenet understanding, saying there is still a chance as the American peace team is still in the region.

The Palestinian and Israeli sides should make use of such opportunity and halt acts of retaliation in order not to escalate the situation.

As for holding Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat responsible for violence and terrorism, as charged by Israeli Premier Ariel Sharon, Sherif said the stances of Egypt, Jordan, and the other Arab states are clear regarding the Palestinian National Authority in terms of being the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinians that could realize peace.

It is very hard to ask Arafat to control the situation while the Palestinian cities are under shelling and lands being scooped and houses demolished, he said.

Palestinian elements are taking action because of the clear injustice they suffer, unemployment, lack of medicines and complete frustration, he said.

As for statements by US Defence Secretary Donald Ramsfield in which he doubted Arafat's capabilities and that he has not realize any historic thing for his people, Sherif said facts prove what Arafat has done for his people and for peace.

He was the first Palestinian leader to seek peace, recognize Israel and believe in the importance of realizing peace and secure borders and holding negotiations to reach a just and overall peace. he added.

Secretary of State Colin Powell has called on Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat to exert more efforts for halting the current wave of violence. He said Sharon has the right to react to what he called terrorist operations in the way he sees proper.

In the first statement since Israeli escalation, Arafat accused Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon of escalating military moves for undermining the PNA campaign against hardliners from Hamas and Islamic Jihad.

Previous Stories:
  Egypt opposes any military strike against Arab states   (12/1/2001)
  US not entitled to accuse any Arab country of terrorism   (11/30/2001)
  Egypt underlines need to back UN role in humanitarian aid   (11/28/2001)

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