Abul-Gheit terms as important Israeli pullout from Gaza
Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 8/24/2005

Egypt's Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul-Gheit and Palestinian Foreign Minister Nasser Al-Qedwa discussed over the phone Monday the latest developments in the Palestinian territories and the preparations carried out by the Palestinian Authority to ensure control of Gaza after the Israeli pullout.

The two ministers discussed Palestinian efforts at the United Nations prior to the UN General Assembly session in September as well as coordination with Egypt in this respect.

The telephone call also dealt with topics tabled on the agenda of the coming Arab League meeting.

In statements to MENA Abul-Gheit described the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza as an unprecedented and important step because it was the first withdrawal in the history of the Arab- Israeli conflict and the first evacuation of Jewish settlements from Palestinian territories.

"We welcome the step, which is surely a good step in the right direction."

"We view it as ushering in an international consensus and an Israeli understanding that the withdrawal must prompt a resumption of the peace process between the Palestinians and Israelis," said Abul-Gheit.

The foreign minister underscored the importance of ending the Israeli occupation of all Palestinian territories occupied in 1967.

He said that Egypt was working with all international parties, as well as Israel and the Palestinians, to make sure that the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza would be comprehensive.

The foreign minister said that after the withdrawal Gaza must be fully free rather than be a big jail. Abul-Gheit said that Egypt was working to boost Palestinian security capabilities in order to ensure the rule of law in area, prevent chaos and protect life and property.

He said that the Palestinian people in Gaza had suffered a lot during the past years so they have the right to free and decent life.

On the future of Gaza after the withdrawal, Abul-Gheit stressed the importance of sending a message to the Israeli people that withdrawal to the 1967 borders would bring security to them.

Abul-Gheit said that military solutions cannot bring security to the Israelis, adding that the withdrawal must be followed by a comprehensive ceasefire.

He called on the two parties to start implementing the Roadmap in preparation for final status negotiations.

Previous Stories:
  Egypt security delegation meets Jihad; Hamas gives Egypt credit   (8/20/2005)
  Egypt condemns terrorist attack against Palestinians   (8/20/2005)
  Mubarak in Yedioth Ahronoth interview warns of turning Gaza into 'huge prison'   (8/20/2005)
  Barak in Cairo for talks with Mubarak   (8/16/2005)
  Mubarak: Israelis need to follow Gaza disengagement with Roadmap implementation   (8/16/2005)
  Al-Ahram: Understanding on Philadelphia border passage with Israel   (8/12/2005)

Please add a link on your webiste pointing to ArabicNews.com and bookmark ArabicNews.com & subscribe to our daily email news bulletin.

Search