Egypt calls for putting peace promises into force
Egypt, Politics, 11/20/1999

In his address to the two-day conference of the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) held in Istanbul, Foreign Minister, Amr Moussa demanded the matching of positive words with positive actions and steps as far as the Middle East peace process is concerned in the shortest way, otherwise empty promises will undermine credibility rather than boost it.

Moussa urged an immediate end to the settlement construction activities as they jeopardize peace and violate the territory around which negotiations are going on.

" Negative statements by those who negate the bases upon which the Madrid process was built, must be avoided. Resolutions 242 and 338, which encapsulate the principle of "land for peace", must be applied in all their aspects and to all occupied territories," said Moussa.

With regard to collective security, Moussa said in his address: "Cooperative Security strongly emerges as the methodology you have opted for in the maintenance of comprehensive security. Cooperative security that is unilaterally attempting to achieve security, while overlooking or disregarding the legitimate interests and rights of others leads to confrontation and conflict."

"Hence, Egypt welcomes cooperative security, but in the spirit of partnership and full respect for the principles of international law and the considerations of global security as well as the cultural and social specificity," said the Egyptian top diplomat.

"Who could disagree with the universality of the respect of human rights, the necessity for democratic practices. Our perceptions in this respect should be formulated according to agreed terms of reference and criteria, otherwise the concept of cooperative security and preventive diplomacy would fuel tension among civilizations and those who would use for their sinister goals," Moussa added.

"We are ready for a dialogue with you on those matters with view of reaching the widest possible consensus. We are for conflict prevention conducted in strict observance of international law," concluded Moussa.

Previous Stories:
  Mideast security untenable under current conditions   (11/19/1999)
  Political discussions between Egypt and Romania   (11/19/1999)

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

Search