unswerving support for Palestinians, peace

Egypt's President Mubarak yesterday held a meeting with Palestinian Leader Yasser Arafat at the presidential palace.

During the two leaders meeting, they reviewed the latest developments in the Palestinian territories and progress of the peace process in the light of the election of Ariel Sharon as Prime Minister of Israel.

Following the meeting, Osama Al Baz, the Political Advisor to the President said that President Arafat briefed President Mubarak on his visualization of the current critical situation and apprehension of the Palestinians after the negative statements by some figures which are close to Ariel Sharon.

Al Baz said that the two leaders underlined the need to wait and not to form beforehand judgements on the new Israeli government and nor to suppose that the new government would abide by the content of these statements and the stances which were announced during election campaign.

He said that the Arab stance emanates from very sound base, that Israel could not ignore the progress which was achieved during the previous rounds of negotiations as the Palestine party will not accept renewal of interim period for good.

Al-Baz said that the Palestinian party would not accept delaying the discussion of important issues such as Jerusalem, refugees, borders and security arrangements for many years to come.

He said that Israel should realize its responsibility towards the peace process and we are following up the relevant developments. He said that Palestinian shall wait for the formation of the Israeli government regardless of the parties which will take part in order to explore the stances of Ariel Sharon.

A1 Baz told A1 Ahram that Egypt is making contacts with international parties concerned with the peace process mainly the United States, European Union and Russia adding that Egypt is keen on the continuity of sustained consultations with the Arab parties such as the Palestinian side, the Syrian leadership, the Lebanese government, Saudi Arabia, members of the Gulf Cooperation Council and Arab states in northern Africa.

A1 Baz called for not jumping on adopting certain stances depending on the negative implications of the statements given by figures which are close to Sharon, reiterating the need for maintaining sustained vigilance and following up the developments and statements made.

A1 Baz said that this position should not give rise to dismay as the Arab stance is based on sound basis.