Negotiations possible only after confidence returns

"The possibility that negotiations be resumed between the Palestinians and Israelis should not be ruled out," said Egypt's Foreign Minister Amr Moussa.

He added, however, it is important that the Israeli Prime Minister adopt a policy that will help reach a just and permanent peace. "We should give some time to the Israelis to choose the new premier they want," the Minister noted.

On the Egyptian role in the peace process, Moussa said in press statements Tuesday after the reception by President Hosni Mubarak of the international fact-finding commission that Egypt's policy was very effective as far as the peace process was concerned.

Recalling the Egyptian ambassador from Israel was intended to give a message that things had gone too far, Mousa said, adding, however, that Egypt was not going to give up efforts to achieve permanent and fair peace.

On the draft resolution before the UN Security Council on deploying international observers in the Palestinian occupied territories, Moussa said there is a new draft resolution proposed by the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM), which is considered a new form of the old one proposed by Britain, adding that it was due to be discussed on Tuesday.

"Efforts are being exerted and contacts are being made to make the draft resolution succeed," the Moussa said adding that he would meet on Tuesday with the Russian envoy and hold contacts with some capitals.

He asserted the importance of deploying international observers in the occupied lands to stop fresh violence and provide protection for civilians.

On whether there is a precondition that Israeli force withdraw from the Palestinian territories they occupied as late before resuming any negotiations between the Palestinian and Israeli sides, Moussa said he would not consider this a precondition.

"It will be very difficult to create a suitable atmosphere for the peace process without an agreement on pullout," he elaborated.

"Sharm El Sheikh accord has to be implemented," he noted, adding that the current situation could not go on for long.