Ebeid: Egypt does not take Israeli threats seriously

Egyptian prime minister Atef Ebeid stressed that Egypt does not take any Israeli threats seriously.

During his meeting with editors in chief of Jordanian papers late Tuesday, Ebeid said that Egypt seeks peace and does not drum for war, but this should never be misinterpreted.

"The other side (Israel) should be well-aware that it can never enjoy security and stability as long as it occupies territories and kills unarmed civilians", said the Egyptian prime minister.

Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak conducts daily consultations with Arab leaders on different developments and initiatives, Ebeid said.

He added that the Egyptian-Jordanian initiative, the Mitchell commission report and documents approved during the Taba meetings are the basis for any serious peace negotiations.

Ebeid voiced rejection to sanctions imposed on the Iraqi people and underlined the need for exerting diplomatic efforts before the implementation of the new sanctions.

The Egyptian prime minister underlined that the economic situation in Egypt is stable and the banking system is safe and sound.

He noted that the growth rate over the past four years reached 5.5 per cent, asserting that foreign debts are declining.