Israel should accept Mitchell's report to stop violence

On the occasion of the end of his term of duty in Egypt, Graham Boyce, the British Ambassador in Cairo asserted that the recommendations of Mitchell report represent the only available way-out from the deteriorating situation in the Middle East.

In an interview with Al-Ahram, the ambassador termed the present situation as extremely grave, and expressed the desire of his country to implement the Mitchell report in a practical manner.

Excerpts:

"We cannot expect a 100 per cent quiet situation before starting implementing the Mitchell recommendations, as requested by Israel."

"We're looking for the ways and means to let Israel accept the serious efforts to stop violence."

"If the Israelis insist on the complete quietness prior to implementing the recommendations, this will never produce any progress in the process."

"We call upon the Israeli side to give independent voices the chance to judge and assess matters."

"The Egyptian and British viewpoints are identical on the Middle East situation, and the significance of pushing matters forward on the basis of the Mitchell committee report."

"We have drawn the attention of the British businessmen to the Egyptian market, and encouraged them for investment in Egypt."

"The signs of good relations between Egypt and Britain could be seen in the tourism domain, as the number of British tourists has reached 400,000 during last year."

"We are quite aware of the important status of Egypt as a trade and political partner, and we need more dialogue on all international issues of common interest."