Israel's terrorism against whoever speaks of rights
"The Israelis do not settle for the terrorism they practise against the Palestinians, but they also practise intellectual and moral terrorism against whoever speaks of rights," said Egypt's Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher.
In statements Sunday prior to his departure to Valencia, Spain, to lead Egypt's delegation to the European-Mediterranean ministerial conference, due to kick off Monday, Maher said "Israel alleges it withdrew from certain places but we find it back there the next day."
"Even if its withdraws, we find it bent on staying in the environs of Palestinian Leader Yasser Arafat's complex and the Church of Nativity, which is totally rejected," said Maher.
"We have seen how Israel lashed out at UN representative Terje-Roed Larsen when he visited the Jenin refugee camp and mentioned clearly what he had seen for himself, that the Israeli public prosecutor called for expelling him from Israel," added Maher.
Maher expressed hope that a fact-finding commission formed by the Security Council would come to the region to express its opinion over this situation created by Israel and its aggression on the Palestinian people.
On the possibility that Israel's membership of the Euro Mediterranean Forum would be suspended, he said "Israel's presence-even if it is something loathsome due to the crimes it perpetrated-offers a good chance to expose its practices against humanity, legitimacy and law."
"Some Arab brothers viewed that it would be proper not to attend and we respect their decisions, but the majority viewed it was essential to go anywhere to defend our cause and to take the fig leaf off Israel's manoeuvres and crimes," he said.
On whether Maher would meet with Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres on the sidelines of the Valencia conference, Maher said "frankly, I don't want to meet him but if he asks to meet me, I'm ready for it.
However, he will not be pleased with what he is going to hear from me."
On reports that Israel was considering storming Arafat's headquarters and expelling him from the occupied Palestinian territories, Maher expressed belief that the Israelis-despite their foolishness-would not embark on such act which would lead to serious consequences.