Egyptian foreign minister: Netanayhu's declarations on Jerusalem not binding
Egypt, Politics, 3/16/1999

Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa confirmed that the statements of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who alleged that Jerusalem is non-negotiable, are not binding.

He added, "We consider the issue of Jerusalem open and is pertaining to an occupied part, i.e. the eastern part of Jerusalem which is at the center of negotiations." He also indicated that UN resolutions toward Jerusalem still apply: "Jerusalem's status remains outstanding and will remain so until UN relevant resolutions are implemented or a negotiated agreement is reached," Moussa said.

Concerning the current Arab efforts for coordination, Moussa said that coordination between the Arab states is very essential as the Arab situation in general requires a comprehensive reconsideration.

Concerning the threats of Israeli prime minister to take punitive measures if Palestinian President Yasser Arafat declares a Palestinian state, Moussa said that Israel can take punitive measures against those who are subject to its sovereignty, but the Palestinian situation is subjected to an Israeli occupation, so these punitive measures can fall under the Fourth Geneva Convention, regulating foreign occupation.

"The UN has called for a meeting of the parties concerned with the convention upon a General Assembly resolution. This meeting will address Israel's violations of Geneva agreements. This is very important in view of what is said about the punitive measures against the Palestinians," Moussa said.

Previous Stories:
  El-Baz: We fear the US air strikes on Iraq would become routine   (3/15/1999)
  El-Ganzouri refuses to exchange Israeli spy for Egyptian prisoners in Tel Aviv   (3/8/1999)
  Moussa: We did not advise Arafat to delay the state's declaration   (2/22/1999)

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