Israel's wall, says Israel not ready yet to accept Palestinian state
Egypt-Israel, Politics, 8/2/2003

The Israeli separation wall, under construction by Israel, is a signal that the Israeli government has not prepared itself to accept the setting up of an independent Palestinian state, Egypt's Foreign minister, Ahmed Maher said Thursday.

He pointed out that the Israelis were haggling over everything, including the release of Palestinian prisoners, settlement activities, removal of checkpoints and pullout from Palestinian cites. "There is much foot-dragging and hesitation on the part of Israel," he said.

He expressed belief the international community and the US, which reiterated its commitment at the highest levels to the Roadmap, would act in such a way to guarantee real progress.

Commenting on Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's statements that Israel would not stop building the separation wall for being a prerequisite for Israel's security, Maaher said Sharon's statements represent a challenge to all parties seeking to implement the peace plan and "I can't imagine this could go easily or that the government could carry such policies too far," Maher said.

"History, law and legitimacy say that Palestinians have the right to set up their state within the 1967 borders," he added.

He pointed out that the international community was committed to working in this direction and that the one who went against this should shoulder their responsibility before the international community.

The Egyptian official reiterated the Palestinian Authority's full commitment to the Roadmap.

"The matter is in need of handling in such a way to stress respect for legitimacy, law and commitment to the roadmap," he said.

Previous Stories:
  Egypt: No decision for returning the Ambassador to Tel Aviv   (7/29/2003)
  Mubarak: Sharon is the only Israeli who is able to make peace   (7/28/2003)
  Israeli troops wound a woman in Rafah   (7/18/2003)

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