Mubarak heads to France, implementing former agreements gives al-Assad confidence in peace
Egypt, Politics, 7/2/1999

It was announced in Paris on Thursday that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak will hold a working visit to France that will last for two days, during which he is to meet with French President Jacque Chirac and Prime Minister Lionel Jospin.

The spokeswoman for the French Foreign Ministry, Ann Gizeau-Secret, said President Mubarak's talks in the French capital will start on July 2 and will deal with the Middle East peace process, in which Egypt and France can work collectively for the sake of peace.

She added that President Mubarak's talks in Paris will also deal with main regional issues and bilateral relations.

Mubarak said earlier this week in Washington that the Palestinian track should be given priority in resuming the Middle East peace process.

He said that implementing signed agreements between Israel and the Palestinians would give Syrian President Hafez al-Assad confidence in the Middle East peace process.

In a statement to the America BBS, Mubarak asserted that the cause of Palestine is the essence of the peace process, and unless the implementation of what had been agreed upon in Oslo, Cairo and the Wye River agreement is followed up, no trust will be established among the sides concerned.

He ruled out peace tracks to be resumed unless Israel succeeds in winning the confidence of other sides through carrying out its obligations, a matter which will give evidence to President al-Assad that Israel is ready for peace.

Mubarak added that Israel has to adopt measures for giving al-Assad confidence in the peace process, especially halting settlement. Mubarak called on Israel to stop provoking the sentiments of the Palestinians and all Arabs by building settlements in Abu Ghneim mountain.

Mubarak said that the implementation of the Oslo agreements cannot be ignored through jumping directly to the final status negotiations. He called on Israeli Prime Minister-elect Ehud Barak to win the confidence of the Arabs by honoring his obligations.

Mubarak described the role played by the US in the Middle East as "pivotal" He continued that US President Bill Clinton is looking forward to a final settlement for the Palestinian cause within the coming 18 months.

Mubarak also renewed his call to dismantle all weapons of mass destruction from the Middle East region, including Israel and Iran and called on the US to support this position and allow no exceptions, an official Egyptian statement said.

Previous Stories:
  Mubarak: Opportunity for peace should not be missed   (7/1/1999)
  Indyk: Egypt strategic partner for US   (6/30/1999)
  Pakistani minister in Cairo: Egypt can play a role in conflict with India   (6/30/1999)
  Peace conference to open on Monday   (6/29/1999)

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