Baz hints at vigorous world efforts to resolve Palestinian problem

The Egyptian Presidential Political Advisor Osama el-Baz Wednesday hinted at possible international efforts that would lead to an Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories and the establishment of the Palestinian state.

In a lecture at the Cairo University, he referred to statements by US President George W. Bush who said that "America sees as necessary the establishment of the Palestinian State."

He predicts a solution in a span of six months to a year provided that international efforts continue and the US does not stop in midway.

"Israel will have to pull out of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights and Lebanese Shebaa Farms", he added.

'One of the results of war on Afghanistan is that the US has realised that Israel is a burden,' said Al Baz.

He added that Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon tried to present himself as an expert in combating what he termed as "Islamic terrorism".

He noted that Sharon's hostile practices led many Palestinians to carry out suicidal operations as "they lost hope in peace."

Al Baz described Sharon as the one who has set the Intifada ablaze, demolished houses and carried out State terrorism through murdering Palestinians.

"Each and every person has the right to resist foreign occupation targeting military personnel,' according to the Geneva Conventions."

He described the Palestinians' determination to end occupation as legally established.

In statements after receiving the US delegation that was due to discuss Sudan issue, Baz said that the delegation could play a positive role to help Sudan and to maintain its national unity. He stressed the necessity of not classifying Sudan as a terrorist state.

Al Baz added that all Sudanese parties were ready to cooperate in light of the Egyptian-Libyan Initiative that coped fully with IGAD initiative.

On Libya, which plays a part in the initiative, Al-Baz, said that there is no problem with Libya which has early taken an anti-terrorism attitude and there is no crisis between it and the US.

Replying a question by diplomatic editors, Al-Baz said that Israel was dragging its feet over withdrawing from Palestinian self-controlled areas, two of which the Israeli troops have pulled out recently.

Al-Baz noted that "Israel's withdrawal from the towns of Beit Jala and Bethlehem signals a positive line.

But unless it is followed by a full withdrawal from all land into which the Israeli tanks and troops have thrust the consequences will be grave.

"It seems that Israel has gone blind. This is why it doesn't more know its interest," Al-Baz stressed. He urged Israel to get prepared for serious and genuine negotiations with the Palestinians for a final status agreement.

"It is high time that the US stops its slogan of supporting the supremacy of Israel's military power." he concluded.