Egypt, key player in ME peace

"Egypt is one of the most influential powers in the ME peace process," said Presidential Political Advisor Osama El-Baz late Tuesday.

He underlined that Israel had tried so many times to undermine the Egyptian role but in vain. Speaking at a get-together with Alexandria University professors, Baz said that the Palestinians and Israelis are unlikely to reach an agreement before the end of US President Bill Clinton's term.

"The new shuttle tour of US Mideast peace envoy Dennis Ross falls within the framework of US efforts to define points of agreement between the Palestinians and Israelis," he said.

"Clinton will present to President-elect GeorgeW. Bush a detailed and precise memo on the outlining the dimensions of the ME issue, the Palestinian and Israel reservations and his recommendations in this respect," added Baz.

He asserted that the Arab-Israeli conflict revolves not around existence or borders but rather on the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. He accused the Israeli government of having beefed up its military operations against the unarmed Palestinian people as

The official reiterated the Arabs' firm stance vis-a-vis the issue of Al Quds (Jerusalem), asserting that it is of major importance and concern not only to the Palestinians but to Arabs and Muslims as well.

He called on Israel to withdraw to the pre-1967 borders and dismantle its nuclear programmes, which jeopardize stability in the region. "The European Union could play a more effective role in the ME peacemaking drive," concluded Baz.