Mubarak to French TV: Retaining Jewish settlements in West Bank represents time bomb
Egypt-Regional, Politics, 4/20/2004

In an interview with French 3 TV channel, Mubarak said the Palestinians would not tolerate these settlements, whose existence violates relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

He stressed that the settlements are built on occupied Palestinian territories and should be dismantled.

Mubarak said the unilateral steps of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, which will see an Israeli pullout from the Gaza Strip, could spark chaos in the heavily-populated area.

Mubarak also said the Israeli assassinations of Palestinian figures would have serious repercussions not only on the region but on Europe and the United States as well if they failed to put things into perspective.

He said the internationally-backed roadmap for Mideast peace and relevant UNSC resolutions are based on the 1967 borders which should not be described as unrealistic.

On the chaotic situation in Iraq, Mubarak hoped that the Iraqis would restore their sovereignty by June 30.

But he warned that Iraqi security personnel should be first qualified enough to control the country.

He said Egypt is ready to train Iraqi police and army units to maintain security across Iraq with a gradual withdrawal of the US-led coalition troops.

Mubarak said U.S. President George W. Bush told him during their summit that the Iraqi elections would be held under the supervision of the United Nations special envoy Lakhdar Brahimi.

The President also warned that the liquidation of Shiite leader Moqtada Sadr would create a vicious cycle of targeted assassinations, citing the killing of Hamas leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin and Abdel Aziz Al-Rantissi as an example.

Previous Stories:
  Cairo hosts Arab Water Conference   (4/14/2004)
  Egyptian ministry of the interior: Conditions in the region benefits al-Qaida   (4/13/2004)
  Mubarak: The Arab summit will be held in any place in May   (4/5/2004)

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