El-Baz: Israeli withdrawal from Gaza a step in peacemaking drive

Egypt's Presidential Advisor Osama El-Baz stressed that the proposed Israeli withdrawal from Gaza Strip should be a step in the peacemaking march.

Emerging from a meeting with an Israeli Knesset delegation led by Yossi Beilin, El-Baz called on both the Israeli and Palestinian sides to create an atmosphere that would help take steps leading to comprehensive peace based on Israel's withdrawal from the occupied Palestinian territories.

He said several parties inside Israel are working for peace, citing Beilin and his party as a case in point.

"Beilin, an architect of the Geneva initiative, believes that fair and durable peace should be reached on all tracks, particularly the Syrian one, said the presidential advisor.

On future steps to revive the peace process, El-Baz said that Egypt is maintaining contacts with both the Palestinians and Israelis.

Israel should fully withdraw from the Gaza Strip and then pullout of the West Bank, El-Baz added.

Each day that passes without peace carries losses for both the Palestinians and Israelis said the Egyptian presidential advisor.

Asked whether Cairo would launch contacts with Arab and international parties within its initiative, El-Baz said that Egypt is maintaining contacts with all parties.

On his part, Beilin said that the aim of their visit is to meet Egyptian officials, to capitalize on the proposed Gaza withdrawal to be a first step towards a peace agreement with the Palestinians.

"We believe a final solution should be reached based on US President George Bush's two-state vision," said the Israeli lawmaker and former justice minister.