Maher slams Israeli assassination policy; Egypt and Libya to continue contact

Egypt and Libya will continue to contact parties concerned with the Sudanese question to achieve reconciliation in the neighbouring Arab state, particularly after the unanimous agreement on the notes presented by the National Democratic Alliance on the Egyptian-Libyan initiative.

The statements were made by Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher on Thursday before leaving early on Friday morning for Lusaka to lead Egypt's delegation to the OAU summit meetings.

"Egypt will hold consultations with all Sudanese parties and the Libyan government to discuss preparations for the prospective Sudanese reconciliation conference," Maher said.

"The Sudanese government's response to the notes, which were made Thursday, was positive and represents a palpable progress," Maher said.

There is a unanimous acceptance of the Egyptian-Libyan initiative, he said, adding, however, that any other efforts aimed to achieve reconciliation in Sudan were welcome.

Asked for comment on the latest Israeli decision to assassinate Palestinian Intifada activists, Maher said we are used to the fact that the laws of Israel, which claims to be a democratic country that respects human rights, allow for torturing detainees and suspects. We have seen now how Israel, at the highest level, assumes the authority of killing and executing people without trial and without giving them the right to defend themselves, Maher said.

He expressed regret that Israel's behaviour was not that of a country which wanted to live in peace with its neighbours.

He called on the world community to take actions forcing Israel to return to negotiations in good faith so as to reach a fair, comprehensive and peaceful settlement based on international legitimacy.

Asked about his meeting with U.S. Charge d'Affaires Rino Harnish Thursday, Maher said he informed the American diplomat of Egypt's attitude which calls for the necessity of not remaining mute towards the Israeli actions.

On whether time has proved that the Intifada was the only means to deal with Israel and that dialogue was useless, Maher said dialogue was not wrong and that all kinds of efforts were necessary.

"The Intifada has not been aborted, and the Palestinian people are able to resist by all means available to them," he averred.

Concentrating on talks now does not mean the Palestinians have given up the Itifada, because the Intifada means that a people stand up to defend their rights, and it could take different forms, including the current political efforts, Maher said.