Mubarak discuss with Perez Palestinian developments
Egypt-Israel, Politics, 6/21/2005

The meeting Between Egypt's president Hosni Mubarak and Israel's Vice Premier Shimon Perez discussed the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the four settlements in the West Bank, the meeting to be held today in Jerusalem between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbass and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and ways of reactivating the peace process.

President Mubarak hosted a lunch banquet in honour of the Israeli Vice Premier and his accompanying delegation.

Peres thanked President Mubarak for the role he plays for the sake of peace in the region, adding we are lucky to have a leader in the Middle East with President Mubarak's characteristics.


Addressing a press conference, he said Israel plans to start withdrawal from Gaza next August, expressing hope that this would positively reflect on the lives of the Palestinians in Gaza.

Peres said there are measures which should be done in the pre-withdrawal stage, referring to the social fund set up by the PA, and dismantling of settlements.

In the post withdrawal stage, Peres said we should think of the freedom of movement between Gaza and the West Bank saying this necessitates paving roads.

He said reaching an agreement with the Egyptian side on Phildelphi corridor is very imminent.

Answering a question on the non-release by Israel of 900 prisoners according to Sharm el-Sheikh understandings, Peres said Abu Mazen and Sharon agreed on releasing them.

He said Abu Mazen during his meeting with Sharon today could ask for releasing more Palestinians.

Answering a question on whether he considers Abu Mazen a peace partner, he said Abu Mazen is a sincere leader who is willing to establish peace.

He said Abu Mazen is aware that violence could endanger the fate of the Palestinians and could create problems for the PA.

For this reason, he said Abu Mazen should succeed in eliminating violence.

Previous Stories:
  Egyptian FM meets with Israeli peer   (6/20/2005)
  Suleiman probes Israeli Gaza withdrawal in Ramallah, Tel Aviv   (6/17/2005)
  Agreement for deployment of Egyptian forces at Gaza-Israel border   (6/16/2005)

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